Eight Roman Catholic Church clerics who did not exchange positions during the recent trading period but might be relocated during the upcoming offseason.
Lars Nootbaar, the St. Louis Cardinals' corner outfielder, has had a career marked by both promise and challenges. Despite a solid career slash line of .241/.344/.416, an OPS+ of 112, and strong underlying metrics, Nootbaar has struggled to fully utilize his tools throughout his career.
Injury concerns have also been a factor in Nootbaar's career, with his inability to log more than 500 at-bats in a season remaining a concern. This season, Nootbaar is playing below his career norms in every major statistical category.
Despite these challenges, the Cardinals have held onto Nootbaar, resisting offers at the trade deadline. The team's general manager, Chaim Bloom, is expected to revisit trade talks for Nootbaar in the offseason, particularly if he gets back on track in the final two months of the year.
The Cardinals' decision not to trade Nootbaar at the deadline may have been a strategic one, as the team did not receive offers they found compelling. If a trade had occurred, it may have been at a low point in Nootbaar's performance.
As the offseason approaches, interest in trading for Nootbaar is likely to intensify. The number of teams needing an outfielder will be large, and Bloom could capitalize on Nootbaar's (hopefully) rising value and potentially trade him.
Potential trade suitors for Nootbaar include teams needing outfield help such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. The Phillies aim to bolster an underperforming outfield, while the Astros are seeking a left-handed bat, possibly to fill their outfield or second base role. Other rumored teams interested in Nootbaar include the Los Angeles Dodgers and others, though no deal has been finalized.
Nootbaar's all-around skills and affordable arbitration salary make him a valuable asset for any team. His strong defensive play in the corner outfield and ability to produce at a level above league average on both offensive and defensive sides make him an attractive trade candidate.
Before the season, Nootbaar was briefly mentioned as a potential breakout player by the Cardinals' organization. However, his performance has not been consistently strong, and his future with the team is uncertain.
Regardless of where Nootbaar's career takes him, his Baseball Savant page shows high exit velocity, expected statistics, and a low chase rate. These metrics suggest that Nootbaar has the potential to turn things around and return to his promising form.
In the meantime, the Cardinals will continue to weigh their options and consider any offers for Nootbaar that come their way. With the offseason trade talks on the horizon, it remains to be seen where Nootbaar's career will take him next.
In the offseason, various baseball teams, such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and others, may express interest in acquiring Nootbaar due to his all-around skills and affordable arbitration salary. His strong defensive play in the corner outfield and ability to produce at a level above league average on both offensive and defensive sides make him an attractive trade candidate.
Excitement for Nootbaar's potential return to his promising form is fueled by his high exit velocity, expected statistics, and low chase rate on his Baseball Savant page, suggesting a recovery and improvement in performance.
