Cardinals Star Linked To Trade With Hitter-Hungry NL Contender By MLB Insider

BusinessSportsMoneyCardinals Star Linked To Trade With Hitter-Hungry NL Contender By MLB InsiderByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorJun 07, 2026, 06:30am EDTPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 25: Detail of a St. Louis Cardinals batting helmet in the dugout before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2026 season facing questions about the direction of the franchise after an offseason of significant roster turnover. And after the organization elected to move several veterans and reshape parts of its roster, trade speculation has continued to surround a handful of players viewed as potential long-term assets.ForbesCubs Veteran Leaves MLB After Just 1 Shutout AppearanceBy Peter ChawagaSt. Louis Cardinals Could Look To Trade Lars Nootbar After Surgery ReturnAs the trade deadline approaches, that speculation is once again beginning to intensify.“As far as subtracting ... well, they pretty much did that all winter,” ESPN's Jeff Passan noted of the Cardinals in a recent trade deadline roundup. “Which has left them with a paucity of clear candidates to move. (Lars) Nootbaar hasn't played yet this season, but he's a high-on-base outfielder who can play some center and has another year of club control.”Passan added that Nootbar is the Cardinals’ “best player potentially available” and a trade leveraging the outfield veteran for some future pieces could make sense for the franchise.Last season, Nootbar slashed .234/.325/.361 before undergoing heel surgery. He recently rejoined the team and could establish some value before the deadline in early August. He also has another year of arbitration eligibility ahead, which could entice some suitors.MORE FOR YOUForbesRays...