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Cardinals Speedster Could Make Lars Nootbaar Expendable
Nathan Church's breakout potential could impact Nootbaar's future with the team.
Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:38am
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The St. Louis Cardinals may be without outfielder Lars Nootbaar to start the 2026 season as he recovers from offseason surgery on both heels. This could open the door for 25-year-old Nathan Church, who made his MLB debut in 2025 and impressed in the minors with his power and speed. If Church performs well in an expanded role, it could make Nootbaar expendable as a trade chip for the Cardinals.
Why it matters
The Cardinals are looking to build on their success and make another deep playoff run in 2026. Nootbaar's injury creates an opportunity for a younger, more dynamic player like Church to potentially seize a starting outfield spot and make an impact. This could shift the team's plans for Nootbaar, who was mentioned in trade rumors over the offseason.
The details
Nootbaar underwent offseason surgery on both of his heels and has been rehabbing since. He acknowledged the importance of getting fully healthy, saying 'I do not benefit this team or myself if I just go out there and I'm hampered and compensating.' If Nootbaar isn't ready for Opening Day, Church could get an extended look in the outfield. Church struggled in his 27-game MLB debut in 2025, but dominated in the minors, slashing .329/.386/.524 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 86 games. Church has impressive tools, ranking in the 92nd percentile in arm strength and 84th percentile in sprint speed.
- Nootbaar underwent offseason surgery on both heels.
- Church made his MLB debut in 2025, appearing in 27 games.
- Church dominated in the minors in 2025, slashing .329/.386/.524 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 86 games.
The players
Lars Nootbaar
A St. Louis Cardinals outfielder who underwent offseason surgery on both heels and may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Nathan Church
A 25-year-old outfielder in the St. Louis Cardinals organization who made his MLB debut in 2025 and had impressive numbers in the minors, ranking in the 92nd percentile in arm strength and 84th percentile in sprint speed.
What they’re saying
“Mutually, we would benefit if I got this done, came back and was healthy, played well for this team, and whatever happens, happens. I do not benefit this team or myself if I just go out there and I'm hampered and compensating.”
— Lars Nootbaar
What’s next
If Nootbaar is not ready for Opening Day, the Cardinals will likely give Nathan Church an extended look in the outfield to see if he can build on his impressive minor league performance and make Nootbaar expendable as a trade chip.
The takeaway
The Cardinals' depth and young talent could allow them to move on from Nootbaar if Church emerges as a viable long-term option in the outfield. This would give the team more flexibility to address other needs through a potential Nootbaar trade.
