The St. Louis Cardinals have initiated a major roster transformation this offseason by trading high-profile players such as Nolan Arenado, Wilson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, and Sonny Gray. As the team focuses on rebuilding, sources suggest that role players like fan-favorite outfielder Lars Nootbaar could also be moved to accelerate the process and add value for the future, with Nathan Church positioned as a potential replacement.
Lars Nootbaar’s Role and Trade Potential Explored
Christopher Kline of Fansided identifies Nootbaar as a valuable trade candidate despite his status as a beloved player among Cardinals fans. While the 28-year-old’s 2025 season included a .686 OPS and a 95 OPS+ over 509 at-bats, statistical analysis points to better underlying metrics, indicating a likely positive regression in upcoming seasons. This makes him an appealing asset for teams seeking a dependable starting outfielder, especially since he is under club control for two more years.
In 135 games last season, Nootbaar posted a .234 batting average with a .325 on-base percentage and a .361 slugging percentage, contributing 24 doubles, 13 home runs, and 48 RBIs. His $5.25 million salary for this season, combined with control still remaining, increases his attractiveness on the trade market.
Nathan Church as a Defensive and Long-Term Solution
Nathan Church debuted in Major League Baseball last season after an impressive minor league performance, although his initial statistics were not outstanding. Church is particularly noted for his speed and elite defensive abilities, which align with the Cardinals’ strategy to emphasize run prevention. With offense expected to underperform during this rebuilding phase, Church offers a promising long-term option in the outfield, potentially succeeding Nootbaar as the team’s go-to defender.
Implications for the Cardinals’ Rebuild Strategy
Although trading a fan-favorite like Nootbaar may be difficult for supporters and the franchise’s identity, taking such steps appears necessary for the Cardinals’ shifting focus toward future competitiveness. Securing trade value now, rather than waiting until the player’s control diminishes, enables the organization to acquire assets to strengthen their rebuild. Meanwhile, entrusting Nathan Church to fill the starting outfielder role reflects the team’s hope in young talent and a defensive-first approach.
“The 2025 campaign was a struggle for Lars Nootbaar, who put up a .686 OPS and 95 OPS+ in 509 at-bats. The numbers under the hood are much better, however, which means he’s due for positive regression. With two more years of club control, the 28-year-old lefty has real value as a trade chip. Plenty of outfield-needy teams have been connected to Nootbaar this winter. So, again, Bloom ought to act. Nathan Church made his MLB debut last season after raking through the Minors. The early sample was not great, but the speedster profiles as an elite defender, at the very least. The Cardinals can pivot toward run prevention with an offense that will underperform regardless. Nootbaar is a fan favorite and one of the more accomplished hitters left on this Cardinals roster, but rather than wait until he’s a lame duck, St. Louis should pull the trigger now and keep stockpiling for the future,”
— Christopher Kline, Fansided Writer
