Cardinals International Superstar Lars Nootbaar is on FIRE!
Lars Nootbaar is heating up in a big way — and the timing couldn’t be better for both the International Superstar and the St. Louis Cardinals. After a rocky season, and questions about his long-term role, Nootbaar is reminding everyone why his bat — and his energy — belong in the everyday lineup.
Let’s start with the Defense that is summed up with this play which is the Catch-of-the-Year for the Cardinals:
Let’s Talk Offense
Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, the 27-year-old delivered his fifth straight multi-hit game in the Cardinals’ 7-4 victory. That’s not only a career-best streak, it’s the longest by any Cardinal since Tommy Edman tallied seven back in 2019. And when you combine the hot bat with his trademark hustle, Nootbaar is quickly turning his season around.
This surge has been quite electric: 11-for-21 (.524) over his last five games, raising his batting average from .228 to .244 in less than a week. In August alone, he’s hitting .339 with five doubles and seven RBI. Compare that to his brutal .169 line in June — a slump that cost him regular at-bats — and it’s clear he’s rediscovering his rhythm at the plate.
Loved in Japan Too
It’s not just timing either — Nootbaar’s story is bigger than baseball in St. Louis. Fans around the world remember when he suited up for Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, making history as the first American-born player to represent the country thanks to his Japanese mother and cementing him as an International Superstar.
That international spotlight showcased his infectious energy and ability to perform on the biggest stage, and he’s channeling that same spirit during this hot streak.
For the Cardinals, this couldn’t come at a better moment. With a new front office taking over at the end of the season, questions swirling about the roster’s future and Nootbaar’s role beyond 2025. With this hot streak Nootbaar is making a strong case that his blend of power, patience, and defense is too valuable let him go. His season slash line sits at .245/.345/.418 with 13 homers and 44 RBI, numbers that could rise even higher if he continues surging.
As Nootbaar himself explained, the success comes from simply being on time at the plate and squaring the ball up wherever it’s pitched. Manager Oli Marmol agrees, praising his work ethic and focus on finishing strong.
If the Cardinals are going to claw their way back into the playoff mix — or at least set the tone for 2026 — Nootbaar’s resurgence could be one of the most important storylines down the stretch.
From World Baseball Classic heroics to Busch Stadium clutch hitting, Lars Nootbaar is showing again why he’s a player worth betting on.
