Fansided

Cardinals: 3 players who won’t be on the roster past the trade deadline

By Tim Boyle

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 22: Lars Nootbaar #21 of the St. Louis Cardinals walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 22, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 22: Lars Nootbaar #21 of the St. Louis Cardinals walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 22, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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ST LOUIS, MO – JUNE 01: Lars Nootbaar #21 of the St. Louis Cardinals bats against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on June 1, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

These three members of the St. Louis Cardinals will not be on the roster past the trade deadline.

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a two-team race in the National League Central. With plenty of games against three of the league’s worst clubs on the schedule, they only have to worry about what the Milwaukee Brewers do if the goal is to win the division.

The National League is a competition between eight teams for seven playoff spots. Not wanting to get caught as the one outsider this year, the Cardinals will look to be an active club at the trade deadline.

With additions come subtractions. Past the trade deadline, these three members of the Cardinals roster should expect to be gone from at least the 26-man crew.

1) Lars Nootbaar will not be on the Cardinals roster past the trade deadline

The name Lars Nootbaar might be one of the best in baseball right now. It’s a throwback to a simpler time. It brings up thoughts of fiction heir to a candy bar. Although you won’t find a Nootbaar wrapper anywhere near the check-out lane at any of your local shopping spots, you will find one currently on the Cardinals roster.

This will, however, change past the trade deadline.

Nootbaar has not been a particularly productive member of the Cardinals this season. In his part-time role, Nootbaar is batting .143/.218/.257 in his first 78 plate appearances this season. This follow-up to his .239/.317/.422 performance last year in 124 trips to the plate isn’t so promising for his future.

At every professional level, Nootbaar has lacked power and some other intriguing tools you like to find on your bench. He doesn’t steal bases much. He isn’t a brilliant fielder either. If there’s one positive sign, Nootbaar has been a patient hitter. He has a decent walk/strikeout ratio in the minor leagues. If he can carry this versus major league pitching, he might eventually have a more permanent spot as a fifth outfielder.

In a season like this, he’s depth that should bounce between the majors and minors.

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