As the offseason unfolded, Chaim Bloom’s blueprint for the St. Louis Cardinals was clear: focus on the future.
Yet, with the team outperforming expectations, whispers of bolstering the roster for a playoff push have started to circulate. At the heart of these discussions is outfielder Lars Nootbaar, whose performance since returning from a lengthy absence has sparked debate about his role with the team.
Nootbaar’s journey back to the field was no small feat. After undergoing double heel surgery, the Cardinals were cautious about setting a return date for their often-injured veteran.
As the elder statesman of the lineup, and with Bloom having already moved other veterans, it seemed Nootbaar might be next to go, especially with his contract nearing its end next season. However, his impressive return at the plate could be a game-changer for the Cardinals’ playoff aspirations, potentially postponing any trade talks until the offseason.
Lars Nootbaar’s resurgence could be pivotal for the Cardinals come October. Initially, the idea of Nootbaar moving on seemed plausible, not due to a lack of talent or character-both of which he possesses in spades-but because a trade could have signaled the start of Bloom’s full-scale rebuild.
Yet, Nootbaar’s return to form has been a revelation. His hot streak at the plate has provided much-needed stability to a lineup that has struggled with consistency.
In his 16 games back from the injured list, Nootbaar is hitting .291, with two home runs, seven RBIs, and 11 runs scored. This performance builds on his strong showing during rehab, where he tallied three homers, a double, and nine walks in just 12 games.
These numbers have made his future with the Cardinals more intriguing. While his current form makes him an attractive option for contenders at the trade deadline, the Cardinals themselves are in contention and could benefit from his continued presence in the lineup.
Nootbaar’s advanced metrics tell a story of a player contributing solidly in the heart of the order. With the Cardinals’ bullpen struggling, his bat could be crucial in keeping the team in the postseason race.
Trading bats at the deadline is notoriously tricky, often yielding uncertain returns, making the decision to hold onto Nootbaar a potentially wise move for St. Louis.
Meanwhile, the emergence of prospect Joshua Baez adds another layer to the conversation. Baez has been on a tear in June, highlighted by a four-homer game and an impressive outfield assist.
His growing patience at the plate is turning heads, yet finding him a regular spot in the lineup remains a challenge. How Baez performs in the coming weeks could significantly impact Nootbaar’s future with the Cardinals.
As the Cardinals navigate these decisions, Nootbaar’s leadership and performance could prove invaluable. Whether he stays or goes, his contributions this season have already left a mark on the team.