Much‑decorated Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado keeps adding to his résumé, pairing highlight‑reel defense with a career that recently crossed the 2,000‑hit threshold. On Aug. 15, he powered the D‑backs past the Braves with a pair of home runs in a 10-3 victory.

That hustle comes with genuine heart. The California native is the D-backs’ 2026 Heart & Hustle Award recipient. From the leaguewide group of winners, one is chosen by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and active ballplayers.

But there is plenty more to learn about the 35-year-old player, who has two children with his wife, Laura. 

Here we go.

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Question: Are you a morning routine guy? What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Nolan Arenado: The first thing I do when I wake up is, usually, go see the kids. I chill, grab some coffee. Lately, I’ve been taking the kids swimming in the morning.

When you finally get a day off to yourself, how do you spend it?

NA: Same thing: Take the kids swimming. We go get ice cream and just run around the house with them.

Have you found any go-to restaurants or coffee shops in your neighborhood?

NA: Butters is where we usually get breakfast, when we don’t eat at home. All the restaurants out here we always crush.

Speaking of food, what’s the food you’ll never give up, no matter what the trainers say?

NA: I would probably have to go to Cuban food just because that’s what I grew up on with my family. So yeah, Cuban food.

What’s the soundtrack of your life right now?

NA: It’s a good question. Right now, I’ve been listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine. That’s what I’ve been into.

Beyond baseball, what do you hope people know about you?

NA: I’m just a good friend, a good person, someone who you can rely on, someone who’s loyal.

What’s the best thing you’ve purchased lately?

NA: Hmmm, a house in Arizona for the season.

Are you a “packer” or “just-in-case packer”?

NA: I’m a just-in-case packer, for sure.

What’s one thing you’re surprisingly good at aside from baseball?

NA: I love ping-pong, and I could surf pretty good.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself over the past couple of years?

NA: That, man, is a good question. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become wiser. The older you get, the more you have to be in tune with taking care of your body and your health. Right on. Cool one.