Three athletes bidding farewell to their home turf as they conclude their tenures with St. Louis Cardinals baseball team
The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a crucial decision regarding the future of outfielder Lars Nootbaar. Despite a multi-year extension that keeps him with the team through the 2025 MLB season, Nootbaar's disappointing 2023 campaign and injury history have cast doubt over his role with the team.
Nootbaar, who has split time between the lead-off spot and the bottom half of the order, has struggled this season, posting a .237/.324/.368 slash line in 99 games. This is a far cry from his 2022 performance, where he posted a 123 wRC+, and his 2023 showing of a 118 wRC+. However, it's important to note that in the same period, he has managed 13 home runs and 47 RBI.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Nootbaar throughout his career, with each season marred by significant time on the sidelines. This inconsistency has led some to question his ability to stay healthy and on the field consistently.
Despite these challenges, there is still potential in Nootbaar's profile. His versatility, coupled with his ability to play multiple positions, makes him an attractive prospect for other teams. Plenty of teams have expressed interest in acquiring Nootbaar, and the Cardinals may consider trading him if they can find suitable replacements.
However, the Cardinals are reportedly expected to move on from Nootbaar. The team's roster is crowded with young talents vying for playing time in the outfield, including Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, Ivan Herrera, Jordan Walker, and Victor Scott II. With no one, besides Arenado, being off-limits for trades, Nootbaar may find himself on the trading block.
Yet, there's a possibility that Nootbaar could return to the Cardinals in 2026 if they receive good offers on other outfielders. His two years away from free agency could give the Cardinals time to evaluate their options and decide whether to keep him in the fold.
For now, Nootbaar's future with the Cardinals remains uncertain. His disappointing season, injury history, and the team's crowded outfield have all contributed to his feeling like the odd man out moving forward. However, with his potential and versatility, it's likely that we'll see Nootbaar in the major leagues again soon, whether that's with the Cardinals or another team.
