The St. Louis Cardinals’ deadline-day sell-off produced one of its most emotional moments as a longtime homegrown outfielder said goodbye to the only Major League organization he had ever known. Minutes after the club completed a trade sending fan favorite out before Monday’s trade deadline, he shared a heartfelt farewell message, thanking Cardinals fans for standing by him throughout his career.
The departure marked the end of a journey that began with little fanfare but ultimately turned into one of the more memorable stories in recent Cardinals history. Looking back on his rise from an overlooked draft pick to a key figure in the clubhouse, the veteran reflected on the unwavering support he received from the organization and the city that embraced him from the very beginning.
Lars Nootbaar reflected on his remarkable path through the Cardinals organization, recalling the milestones that defined his career in St. Louis.
“It’s an emotional time for me. I just want to thank you guys for everything, from being an eighth round draft pick in 2018, to being on the team in ’21 on that 17-game win streak, being able to play with legends in the game in 2022, winning the division, all the way to this day forward,” he said. “You guys have had my back and gave me great support from a kid that wasn’t a high prospect at all. You guys embraced me like I was, and St. Louis was a special place.”
The 28-year-old admitted the move was especially difficult because his connection to St. Louis extended far beyond baseball. Having spent his entire professional career with the Cardinals, he had built a life in the city, making the trade an emotional transition.
“It’s the only place I’ve ever known, and I bought a house there and everything, and this is tough,” Nootbaar said. “But I just want to thank you guys so much for everything that you guys have done. You guys mean way more to me than I’ve ever meant to you guys, and thank you.”
The Cardinals traded Nootbaar to the Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Daniel Eagen, left-handed pitcher Sandro Santana, and a player to be named later. The move was part of a sweeping deadline sell-off that also saw St. Louis send Dustin May and JoJo Romero to the Milwaukee Brewers as the organization continued reshaping its roster.
Nootbaar made his Major League debut in 2021 and spent six seasons with the Cardinals organization. Injuries frequently interrupted his tenure, and offseason surgery on both heels delayed the start of his 2026 campaign until June. He appeared in 48 games this season, batting .234 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.
Although injuries prevented him from putting together multiple full seasons, Nootbaar became one of the Cardinals’ most beloved players. Fans admired his infectious personality, his popularity in Japan, and his role on the club’s 2022 National League Central championship team.
Now, Nootbaar begins a new chapter with an Arizona team battling for a National League Wild Card berth, hoping a fresh opportunity and improved health will help him rediscover the form that once made him one of the Cardinals’ brightest young talents.