The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired five-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Rockies. I can’t believe it. Seriously, I can’t believe the deal they got.

Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak made a deal for Arenado that seems impossible. No one thought a deal could be made because there are just too many things that would have had to happen, including:

• Giving up several top prospects, including Dylan Carlson, Matthew Liberatore, Nolan Gorman, Ivan Herrera, and likely many more.
• Manage a contract with an opt-out after one season, and if he stays, pays nearly $200 million over six years.
• Aaaaaand get Arenado to waive his no-trade clause

It just didn’t seem like a move the head office of the Cardinals would put together.

And they didn’t.

The final deal sends Arenado and roughly $50 million to St. Louis for a package of Austin Gomber, Tony Locey, Jake Sommers, Elehuris Montero, and Mateo Gil to Colorado. Most importantly to me, none of the major prospects were part of the deal. The Cardinals get an eight-time Gold Glove winner, five-time All-Star, and owner of four Silver Slugger awards. My mind is blown.

Plus, after next season, the Cardinals aren’t going to be paying Dexter Fowler, Matt Carpenter, Carlos Martinez, and Andrew Miller. Well, I guess a couple of those guys might still be playing for the Cardinals, but maybe not, and that’s something like $60 million in payroll available.

The Cardinals have added a new star to their lineup, increased their chances of winning the Central and the National League, and turned the baseball world upside down.

Works for me.