The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves at an important crossroads this offseason, one that demands close attention to the ever-shifting trade and free-agent landscape. Around Major League Baseball, elite talent has been moving rapidly, and front offices that hesitate risk being left behind. While the Cardinals have already made several significant moves, the broader market continues to evolve in ways that could still impact the organization—either through opportunity or necessity.
Across the league, marquee players have been changing uniforms at a dizzying pace. St. Louis itself has played a central role in that activity, making three notable trades that have reshaped the roster. The most eye-catching of those deals involved longtime franchise cornerstone Nolan Arenado, who was sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Prior to that, the Cardinals also parted ways with right-hander Sonny Gray and catcher Willson Contreras, both of whom were dealt to the Boston Red Sox. Those moves signaled a clear shift in organizational direction, emphasizing flexibility, future planning, and a willingness to reset parts of the roster rather than cling to familiar names.
The Cardinals’ activity, however, is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Elsewhere in baseball, other teams have been aggressive in acquiring star-level talent. Alex Bregman landed with the Chicago Cubs in a move that significantly altered the balance of power within the National League Central. Kyle Tucker, widely viewed as the premier free agent available, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, further strengthening an already dominant roster. Bo Bichette found a new home with the New York Mets, while Ranger Suárez joined the Red Sox, who have been especially active in reshaping both their lineup and pitching staff.
Against that backdrop, St. Louis may not be in the market for another blockbuster addition, but that does not mean the Cardinals are done influencing the offseason. Even if they are not actively shopping for a superstar, they still possess valuable assets that other teams are monitoring closely. One such player is outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who has quietly become a name to watch as clubs search for cost-effective upgrades.
ESPN analyst Jorge Castillo recently identified Nootbaar as a potential trade target for the Mets, particularly after New York failed to land Tucker despite making a serious push. Although the Mets succeeded in signing Bichette, their roster construction remains somewhat unsettled, especially in the outfield. Castillo noted that New York continues to explore options for both a starting pitcher and an outfielder, though the exact targets remain fluid.
According to Castillo, the Mets initially viewed Tucker as the ideal solution. They reportedly offered a competitive short-term contract to the consensus top free agent on the market, but Tucker ultimately chose the Dodgers, who are coming off back-to-back World Series titles. With that door closed, New York pivoted to Bichette, signing him to handle third base—despite the fact that Bichette has never played the position at the professional level. The move addressed one need while creating questions elsewhere on the roster.
In theory, free agent Cody Bellinger could have been a natural fit for the Mets’ outfield. However, Bellinger’s contract demands—reportedly centered around a seven-year deal—complicate matters. After committing to Bichette’s massive contract, which carries an average annual value of $42 million, New York may be more inclined to pursue a less expensive alternative, at least for the time being. As a result, the Mets are considering a range of creative solutions, from positional shifts to short-term signings.
One possibility involves moving Brett Baty, who had previously been projected as the team’s starting third baseman, into left field. Other options include a reunion with Harrison Bader, now a free agent and a former Met, or acquiring an outfielder via trade. It is within that context that Nootbaar’s name has surfaced. As a controllable, versatile outfielder with on-base skills and postseason experience, he represents an appealing option for a team looking to balance performance with payroll flexibility.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, trading Nootbaar would not be a decision made lightly. While he may not carry the star power of some of the league’s biggest names, he brings value in multiple ways. He can play all three outfield positions, provides left-handed balance to the lineup, and has shown an ability to rise to the moment on big stages. Still, given the organization’s recent willingness to move established players, his inclusion in trade discussions would not be surprising.
If St. Louis were to move Nootbaar, it would immediately raise questions about the team’s outfield alignment. As things currently stand, rookie Victor Scott II appears poised to handle center field duties, bringing elite speed and defensive range to the position. Jordan Walker, one of the franchise’s most important young players, is expected to be a fixture in right field. That leaves left field as the primary area of flexibility.
Brendan Donovan factors heavily into that equation. If Donovan remains with the Cardinals, an outfield consisting of Donovan in left, Scott in center, and Walker in right could be a perfectly viable configuration, even in Nootbaar’s absence. Donovan’s versatility, contact skills, and ability to get on base make him a valuable piece, whether he is deployed in the outfield or across the infield as needed.
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The situation becomes more complicated, however, if both Nootbaar and Donovan were to be traded. In that scenario, the Cardinals would suddenly find themselves thin in the outfield, particularly from an offensive standpoint. While Scott’s defense and speed are unquestioned, and Walker’s upside is immense, relying too heavily on youth without veteran support can be risky—especially for a team aiming to remain competitive while retooling.
Should that outcome come to pass, St. Louis would almost certainly need to look outside the organization for help. Ideally, the Cardinals would target a veteran outfielder who can provide a steady bat and, preferably, hit from the right side. A right-handed presence would help balance a lineup that could otherwise skew left-handed, particularly if Nootbaar and Donovan are no longer in the fold.
Such an addition would not need to be a superstar. In fact, given the Cardinals’ recent moves and broader strategy, a short-term or moderately priced option would make far more sense. The goal would be stability and flexibility rather than long-term commitment. A veteran bat could serve as a bridge, allowing younger players to develop without being rushed while keeping the lineup competitive on a nightly basis.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ offseason remains very much in motion. While the biggest names may already be off the board, the ripple effects of those deals continue to shape the market. Teams like the Mets are still searching for the right pieces, and St. Louis is in a position to benefit if the price is right. Whether that means moving Nootbaar, holding onto their remaining core, or making a smaller complementary addition, the front office will need to stay alert and responsive.
In a winter defined by bold moves and rapid change, standing still is rarely an option. For the Cardinals, closely monitoring the market isn’t just prudent—it’s essential.
