The St. Louis Cardinals have made their trade deadline intentions increasingly obvious through their performance in recent weeks. Sitting just one game above .500 and stuck in fourth place in the National League Central, the team appears to be heading toward a seller’s approach.
The most sensible move for St. Louis would be to trade away some pieces and focus on the future. The Cardinals have several players who could attract interest on the trade market, though it remains uncertain which ones will actually be moved in the coming days.
Tim Britton of The Athletic believes the Cardinals could make a surprising move by dealing fan-favorite outfielder Lars Nootbaar, potentially opening a spot for power-hitting prospect Joshua Baez.
“If not for last winter’s bilateral heel surgery, Nootbaar would have already been sent elsewhere,” Britton wrote. “Since his early June return, he’s having a characteristic season, combining modest slugging with a high on-base percentage to be an above-average hitter. There are multiple contenders for whom he’d be an upgrade right now, and Chaim Bloom has shown a willingness to extend opportunities to younger players. Top-100 prospect Joshua Baez might be next to get the big-league call.”
Trading Lars Nootbaar would be the wrong move
While Nootbaar’s numbers have dipped somewhat this season, he still brings plenty of value to the Cardinals. The outfielder is currently batting .241/.346/.368 with three home runs, 15 RBIs and a .715 OPS. Although his offensive production has cooled, he remains an elite defender capable of playing all three outfield positions.
There is also a strong chance that Nootbaar’s bat improves as the season progresses. Before his recent struggles, he had been a dependable contributor offensively, showing the ability to get on base and provide quality at-bats.
Beyond his on-field performance, however, Nootbaar’s importance to the Cardinals goes beyond statistics. After the team moved on from many of its veteran players last offseason, he has become one of the key leaders for this young roster. St. Louis needs experienced players who can set an example for its younger talent and help guide them through a rebuilding period.
Nootbaar also plays a major role in maintaining the team’s clubhouse atmosphere. His energy and personality have helped create a strong culture despite the Cardinals’ recent difficulties. Even during a rebuild, having a player who can keep the team connected and motivated is valuable, and losing him could have a negative impact on the clubhouse for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The Cardinals will have several important decisions to make before the trade deadline, but moving Nootbaar does not appear to be the right choice. St. Louis still needs a veteran presence who can lead the younger players, carry the team’s culture forward, and provide stability during the rebuilding process.