Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar Explains Link Between Injury, Trade Potential

Nootbaar underwent offseason surgery and is taking extra time to recover, which could benefit both him and the team.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is coming off a down year in 2025 and underwent surgery in the offseason to address chronic heel pain. Nootbaar revealed that there is no timeline yet for his return to action, but he and the team are taking extra time to ensure he is fully recovered, which could increase his trade value if the Cardinals decide to move him either at the trade deadline or next offseason.

Why it matters

Nootbaar is one of the longest-tenured position players on the Cardinals roster, but with the team trading away several key players this offseason, his future in St. Louis is uncertain. By taking the time to fully recover from his injury, Nootbaar could play better when he returns, which would boost his trade value if the Cardinals decide to move him.

The details

Nootbaar, 28, said that he and the Cardinals would "mutually benefit" if he takes the time to recover properly and plays well when he returns, as that would increase the return the team could get in a potential trade. Nootbaar's 95 OPS+ and .361 slugging percentage in 2025 were career lows, but the team and potential trade partners may be willing to overlook those numbers if he can prove he's healthy and productive.

  • Nootbaar underwent surgery in the offseason to address chronic heel pain.
  • Nootbaar arrived at spring training on Wednesday after spending extra time in California for his rehab activities.
  • There is no timeline yet for Nootbaar's return to action, but it will come in the next couple of weeks.

The players

Lars Nootbaar

A 28-year-old outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who is coming off a down year in 2025 and underwent offseason surgery to address chronic heel pain.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Major League Baseball team that Nootbaar plays for, which has traded away several key players this offseason and is considering Nootbaar's future with the team.

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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.”

— Lars Nootbaar (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

What’s next

The Cardinals will monitor Nootbaar's recovery over the next couple of weeks and determine a timeline for his return to action.

The takeaway

Nootbaar's injury and the Cardinals' offseason roster moves have created uncertainty around his future with the team. By taking the time to fully recover, Nootbaar is positioning himself to potentially increase his trade value if the Cardinals decide to move him, which could benefit both the player and the organization.