The St. Louis Cardinals are in the midst of significant roster changes, with more moves potentially on the horizon. Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray have already been dealt, and other players like Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, and JoJo Romero could soon follow.
However, those names aren’t the only ones drawing attention. St. Louis has also received interest in players such as Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman.
The Cardinals appear far from finished on the trade front, and plenty of action could unfold before spring training begins. In a rundown of possible trade targets for all 30 MLB teams, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter reveal talented outfielder as a potential fit for the Los Angeles Angels.
Nootbaar struggled in 2025 while battling multiple injuries throughout the season, eventually undergoing double heel surgery after the year ended.
The 28-year-old outfielder and popular clubhouse presence posted a .234/.325/.361 slash line with 13 home runs and a .686 OPS in 2025. He also adds to an already crowded group of left-handed hitters on the Cardinals’ roster heading into 2026.
St. Louis could benefit from dealing from its surplus of left-handed bats this offseason. While Nootbaar may not bring back the most significant return, moving him could help ease the roster logjam and open the door for outside additions, such as one or two right-handed hitters.
Although fans would likely be disappointed to see him go, trading Nootbaar could help the Cardinals acquire young pitching to strengthen their farm system in the coming years. He may not be the most likely player to be moved compared to other trade assets, but it would be smart for the team to at least listen to offers.
Since making his MLB debut in 2021, Nootbaar has spent his entire career with St. Louis. With the Cardinals not expected to contend in 2026, it makes sense for the organization to explore trade possibilities for the veteran outfielder.
As Chaim Bloom continues shaping the roster, it will be worth watching what moves come next and what value he can extract from his trade pieces. Nootbaar remains a player who could realistically be moved as the Cardinals push forward with their rebuild over the next few seasons.
