Cardinals Could Cut Ties With Fan-Favorite Outfielder: 2 Potential Landing Spots

The Cardinals are expected to undergo some big changes this winter.

Sep 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the hat and glove of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (not pictured) before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals have some tough decisions to make this offseason after going 78-84 and missing the postseason for the third straight year.

Under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, they will begin a rebuild as soon as the World Series reaches its end. This means that they could look to trade certain players to contending teams.

Among the players who could be traded is outfielder and fan-favorite Lars Nootbaar, as the Cardinals have a lot of left-handed bats in their mix and could decide it's time to clear out the logjam. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report lists Nootbaar as a possible trade chip. Here are two potential fits for the 28-year-old outfielder.

Kansas City Royals

May 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A detailed view of Kansas City Royals hat and glove in the dugout during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Royals are a team that struggled offensively in 2025, which ultimately caused them to miss the postseason after going 82-80 and finishing in third place in the American League Central. Their outfield production was severely lacking this season, so a potential upgrade makes sense.

Nootbaar hit .234/.325/.361 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI and a .686 OPS in 2025. However, a change of scenery could help him out, and the Royals are hoping to contend next year, so it could make sense.

Even with Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez, the Royals didn't get much offense this season, but Nootbaar could be a solid addition. He brings speed and elite defense and can also give them an upgrade offensively.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Jul 30, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of a Los Angeles Dodgers hat and glove during the second inning in the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Dodgers can never be counted out when any player becomes available, either via trade or free agency. They always seem to have room for any type of upgrade.

Nootbaar is from Southern California and was drafted by the Cardinals out of USC in 2018. But the Dodgers may need a fourth outfielder next season with Michael Conforto hitting free agency.

Going to Los Angeles would allow Nootbaar to have a homecoming of sorts and a chance to play for a World Series contender. He is under club control for two more seasons, and the Dodgers could easily find a fit for him if they are the ones to trade for him.

It will certainly be interesting to see if Nootbaar is part of the Cardinals' sell-off this coming offseason and where he might end up, but the Dodgers could be an interesting fit for him.

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