While several Cardinals players have underperformed this season, Lars Nootbaar stands out near the top of that list.
For years, Nootbaar has been a player that fans and analysts alike have been waiting to break out—myself included. In his first full season in 2022, Nootbaar posted a solid 123 wRC+ with a strong approach at the plate and plenty of untapped power potential. In 2023, he maintained a 118 wRC+, and in 2024, he finished 14% above league average.
Heading into 2025, this was supposed to be Nootbaar’s chance to cement himself as a key part of the Cardinals’ future. Unfortunately, it’s been his worst season to date.
In 99 games so far, Nootbaar has slashed .237/.324/.368 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs, while bouncing between the leadoff spot and the bottom of the order. He stayed mostly healthy, but once again, injury concerns have lingered, and his consistency has been in question.
With just two years left before free agency, Nootbaar’s history of injuries and his subpar performance this year makes it hard to envision him being part of the Cardinals’ long-term plans. The outfield is getting crowded with players like Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, Ivan Herrera, Jordan Walker, and Victor Scott II all competing for spots. At this point, Nootbaar really feels like the odd man out.
Even with his disappointing season, Nootbaar’s potential will likely attract interest from other teams. There’s still plenty of upside in his profile, but it seems like the Cardinals would be better off moving him, especially as they look to overhaul the roster. A fresh start for Nootbaar could benefit both him and the club.
I wouldn’t completely rule out a possible return in 2026, especially if the Cardinals decide to trade other outfielders. No one on this roster is truly untouchable, aside from perhaps Arenado. But as things stand, it’s hard to imagine Nootbaar sticking around in St. Louis for much longer.
Miles Mikolas
Since 2018, Miles Mikolas has been a mainstay in the Cardinals’ starting rotation. However, after a strong start, his performance has sharply declined in recent years, making it difficult to see new head of baseball operations Chaim Bloom bringing him back for next season.
Following his All-Star selection in 2022, Mikolas has struggled on the mound. Over the past three seasons, he’s posted ERAs of 4.78, 5.35, and 4.80. While he consistently logs innings, he’s been one of the worst pitchers in baseball during that stretch. Mikolas may enjoy his time in St. Louis, but it’s hard to justify keeping him around for another year given his recent struggles.
The Cardinals’ rotation desperately needs a fresh start. Fans are unlikely to tolerate another year with Mikolas in the mix, and the team needs to explore other options—both by adding new talent and giving younger arms a chance to prove themselves at the big league level.
Since 2023, Mikolas has ranked in the bottom ten among pitchers in ERA, xERA, K%, and batting average allowed. It wouldn’t be surprising if another team picked him up as a back-of-the-rotation arm, but he no longer provides the value the Cardinals need.
The Cardinals require more dynamic pitchers in their rotation. If they’re going to pursue free-agent arms, they should focus on taking risks on pitchers who have the potential to surprise, rather than just signing someone who can eat innings. The pitching situation in St. Louis is dire, and while injuries have impacted their MLB-ready arms, it’s crucial they continue to give opportunities to younger pitchers looking to secure a rotation spot.
As mentioned earlier, there are other players who could be traded, released, or not re-signed this offseason, but Mikolas feels like one of the most certain departures at this point. The Cardinals need a serious overhaul, and moving on from Mikolas would be a key part of that transformation.
In fact, parting ways with Mikolas might be one of the strongest signals the team could send. For too long, he’s been linked with the Cardinals’ struggles. Moving him out would be a clear step toward shedding the lingering association with losing and setting the team on a new path.
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