The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the busiest organizations in baseball this offseason, aggressively reshaping their roster through a series of headline-grabbing trades. In a matter of months, they’ve gone from a team weighed down by financial commitments and middling expectations to one that suddenly appears focused on flexibility, youth, and long-term upside. By moving several established veterans, St. Louis has not only cleared significant payroll space but also infused its system with promising prospect talent. Compared to where the franchise stood earlier in the winter, the outlook now feels considerably more optimistic.
The Cardinals’ front office made it clear they were willing to make bold moves. Among the most notable decisions was sending veteran pitcher Sonny Gray and catcher Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox. Both players carried sizable contracts and were expected to be important contributors, but the Cardinals determined that reallocating those resources and acquiring future pieces was the smarter path forward. In another blockbuster, perennial All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks, signaling that even cornerstone names were not off-limits. Then came a three-team deal that resulted in Brendan Donovan landing with the Seattle Mariners, further underscoring the club’s willingness to pivot decisively.
Collectively, these transactions marked a dramatic shift. Arenado had been viewed as a franchise pillar, while Contreras was brought in to stabilize the lineup not long ago. Gray was signed to anchor the rotation. Donovan represented versatility and reliability. Moving all four players in a single offseason is the kind of overhaul that redefines an organization’s trajectory. Instead of clinging to a veteran core that may not have been enough to push them into true contention, the Cardinals opted to reset their competitive window.
And yet, the possibility remains that St. Louis is not finished dealing.
According to Bleacher Report analyst Zachary Rymer, one more notable name could be in play before Opening Day: outfielder Lars Nootbaar. With Arenado, Contreras, Donovan, and Gray already gone, the Cardinals’ list of attractive trade chips has grown shorter. As Rymer pointed out, aside from left-handed reliever JoJo Romero, Nootbaar may be one of the few remaining players capable of drawing meaningful interest from contenders seeking an upgrade.
Nootbaar’s value, however, is complicated. He is coming off a season in which his offensive production dipped to a .686 OPS in 2025, a downturn that can largely be attributed to a severe heel injury. The issue was serious enough to require double heel surgery during the offseason, casting uncertainty over his readiness for the start of the year. Injuries can dampen trade value, and front offices are naturally cautious when medical reports include significant procedures.
Still, the broader track record works in Nootbaar’s favor. When healthy, he has demonstrated the ability to be a solidly above-average hitter with on-base skills and emerging power. He brings energy to the field, plays with visible intensity, and has a knack for timely contributions. Those intangible qualities often appeal to playoff hopefuls looking for more than just statistical production. Rymer described him as the type of finishing piece that could round out a contender’s roster.
The key question is whether a team would be willing to take on the risk associated with his health. Nootbaar’s recovery appears to be progressing, but there is no guarantee he will be fully available on Opening Day. For a rebuilding club, that uncertainty might make him less attractive. For a contender, however, the calculation could be different. A team confident in its depth may be willing to wait for him to regain full strength, betting that his upside outweighs the short-term inconvenience.
One franchise mentioned as a potential suitor is the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians often straddle the line between rebuilding and contending, rarely committing fully to either extreme. After parting ways with standout closer Emmanuel Clase, there were indications they might lean toward a softer reset. However, recent moves suggest they intend to compete in the American League Central both now and in the coming seasons.
For Cleveland, acquiring Nootbaar would represent a calculated gamble. Their outfield could benefit from a steady, above-average bat, and Nootbaar’s presence would likely elevate the overall floor of the unit. Even if he does not immediately return to peak form, his ability to get on base and contribute across multiple facets of the game provides tangible value. Furthermore, the Guardians’ identity as a scrappy, often underestimated club aligns well with Nootbaar’s energetic style. He plays with visible passion, an attribute that can resonate in a clubhouse built on resilience and collective effort.
Rymer drew a comparison to a past move by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who once traded for an injured Tommy Edman with the expectation that he would recover and become a meaningful contributor. That type of forward-looking acquisition requires patience and confidence in a medical staff, but it can pay off if the player returns to form. Cleveland could attempt something similar, leveraging the current uncertainty around Nootbaar’s health to negotiate a more favorable trade package.
Another factor supporting the case for acquiring Nootbaar is his consistency in generating value. Despite injury interruptions, he has produced at least 1.0 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in each of his big league seasons. That level of steady contribution is not insignificant, particularly for a team operating within financial constraints. The Guardians are not typically major spenders in free agency, so acquiring a controllable player with proven effectiveness aligns with their operating philosophy.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, the decision to trade Nootbaar would hinge on timing and return. If they believe they are still a year or two away from legitimate contention, moving him now—especially if another team views him as a buy-low opportunity—could further accelerate their retooling process. However, if they see him as part of the next competitive core, holding onto him might make more sense. His age and upside suggest he could be a bridge between the current transition and the franchise’s next winning era.
Financial considerations also play a role. St. Louis has already cleared significant payroll commitments, but maintaining flexibility remains valuable. If trading Nootbaar yields additional prospects or cost-controlled talent, it could deepen an already improving farm system. Conversely, because his salary is not prohibitive, there is no immediate pressure to move him purely for financial reasons.
For Cleveland, the calculus appears straightforward: if the acquisition cost is modest, the potential upside justifies the risk. A healthy Nootbaar would bolster their lineup and add versatility to their outfield mix. Even if he misses some time early in the season, the long-term payoff could be substantial, particularly in a division that often lacks a dominant powerhouse.
Ultimately, the idea makes sense under the right conditions. The Cardinals have demonstrated a willingness to make sweeping changes, and Nootbaar represents one of their last notable trade assets. The Guardians, meanwhile, are positioned in that gray area where a single impactful addition can meaningfully shift expectations.
Whether or not a deal materializes before Opening Day, the mere discussion highlights how dramatically the Cardinals’ offseason has unfolded. In just a few months, they have transformed their roster, reshaped their financial outlook, and repositioned themselves for the future. If Nootbaar does join the growing list of departures, it would serve as yet another chapter in an offseason defined by bold decisions and forward-thinking strategy.
For now, the situation remains fluid. Nootbaar’s recovery will be closely monitored, and rival teams will undoubtedly check in with St. Louis about his availability. The Cardinals may insist on a meaningful return, while potential buyers will weigh medical reports and competitive timelines. As Opening Day approaches, the possibility lingers that one more significant move could further alter the landscape—for both St. Louis and whichever contender decides the gamble is worth taking.
