The St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2026 season facing questions about the direction of the franchise after an offseason of significant roster turnover.<\/p>\n
And after the organization elected to move several veterans and reshape parts of its roster, trade speculation has continued to surround a handful of players viewed as potential long-term assets.<\/p>\n
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga Advertisement<\/p>\n St. Louis Cardinals Could Look To Trade Lars Nootbar After Surgery Return<\/p>\n As the trade deadline approaches, that speculation is once again beginning to intensify.<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as subtracting … well, they pretty much did that all winter,\u201d ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted<\/a> of the Cardinals in a recent trade deadline roundup. \u201cWhich has left them with a paucity of clear candidates to move. (Lars) Nootbaar hasn’t played yet this season, but he’s a high-on-base outfielder who can play some center and has another year of club control.\u201d<\/p>\n Passan added that Nootbar is the Cardinals\u2019 \u201cbest player potentially available\u201d and a trade leveraging the outfield veteran for some future pieces could make sense for the franchise.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Last season, Nootbar slashed .234\/.325\/.361 before undergoing heel surgery. He recently rejoined the team and could establish some value before the deadline in early August. He also has another year of arbitration eligibility ahead<\/a>, which could entice some suitors.<\/p>\n FORBES | By Peter Chawaga MLB Insider Links Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> To Trade For St. Louis Cardinals Star Lars Nootbar<\/p>\n Contending teams across baseball are evaluating areas of need, and one National League club appears to be searching for exactly the type of player the Cardinals can offer.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cThe Diamondbacks expect to pursue a left-handed first baseman\/DH type at the deadline, people briefed on their plans say,\u201d according to The Athletic\u2019s Major League Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal<\/a>. \u201cAmong the left-handed hitters who might be available and potentially could fit the DBacks\u2019 desired profile \u2026 Cardinals\u2019 Lars Nootbaar\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The fit is understandable from Arizona’s perspective, as Nootbar could likely move to first base. The Diamondbacks remain firmly in the National League playoff race but continue looking for ways to improve the balance of a lineup that doesn\u2019t have much left-handed thump outside of the top-three hitters.<\/p>\n Nootbaar’s name has surfaced in trade discussions before, largely because of the skillset he brings when healthy. Even though injuries have complicated portions of his career recently, evaluators continue to view him as a versatile player capable of helping a contender.<\/p>\n For now, there is no indication that a trade is imminent. However, with Arizona reportedly seeking left-handed offensive help and respected insiders identifying Nootbaar as a possible fit, his name is likely to remain part of deadline conversations throughout the summer.<\/p>\n
Cubs Veteran Leaves MLB After Just 1 Shutout Appearance<\/a><\/p>\n
Rays Pitcher Cuts Ties With Team Just 3 Days After Disastrous Debut<\/a><\/p>\n