Lars Nootbaar Trade Rumors Heat Up After Braves Lose Jurickson Profar to PED Suspension
The loss of the Atlanta Braves big offseason pickup Jurickson Profar (suspended for 80 games PLUS the postseason after testing positive for PEDs) could help the St. Louis Cardinals in their attempts to rebuild in 2025. The prize for Atlanta would be St. Louis fan favorite Lars Nootbaar.
The beloved spark plug at the front of the St. Louis Cardinals batting order has suddenly become the subject of trade chatter. According to FanSided’s Jacob Mountz, Atlanta might be eyeing Nootbaar to fill Profar’s role.
Let’s explain why this trade makes sense.
Statistical Breakdown
Through his first 19 at-bats in 2025, Nootbaar is absolutely scorching the baseball. The leadoff hitter is hitting .421 with two homers and a jaw-dropping .560 on-base percentage. His OBP is fifth-best in all of Major League Baseball. It’s early, but signs are pointing to a breakout year for the Cardinals’ outfielder.
But this isn’t just about performance: payroll, arbitration, and front office politics will play a huge part as well. The Cardinals rebuild isn’t exactly a secret, albeit maybe the worst rebuild in the history of rebuilds. President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak failed to move a single player over the winter, despite trying to shed salary. Then came the arbitration fireworks: Nootbaar won his $2.95 million case, while teammate Brendan Donovan lost his. And like it or not, money sometimes talks louder than talent.
So, is a Lars Nootbaar trade actually on the table?
Let’s pump the brakes. Nootbaar is under team control through 2027, and Spotrac projects him to land a $113 million contract once he hits free agency. The Cardinals front office might look to extend him instead of dealing him—especially if he continues mashing like this. And while the team is in transition, the Cardinals are not in full teardown mode. They’re still looking to compete, and dealing one of the hottest hitters in the league doesn’t exactly scream “smart rebuild.” Considering how the rebuild has gone so far, no one would be surprised if Lars was moved.
The only way this trade makes sense? Atlanta vastly overpays. We’re talking major-league talent, top prospects, draft picks and more. Otherwise, the Cards have no reason to let go of a guy who might just be turning into a franchise cornerstone before our eyes.
So, while Braves fans dream of Nootbaar in a navy jersey, St. Louis Cardinals fans should keep an eye on those stat lines and the rumor mill. Because if Lars keeps raking, purse required to get him will be bulging indeed.
