Could the Cubs and Cardinals Actually Make a Deal? Lars Nootbaar Might Be Worth It
It’s been nearly two decades since the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals last completed a trade – a forgettable 2007 swap involving John Nelson that most fans have long since filed away (or never noticed to begin with).
That’s 19 years of radio silence between two of the National League’s oldest and fiercest rivals. But with the Cardinals diving headfirst into a rebuild and the Cubs in need of a key outfield piece, the door might finally be cracking open.
A Rare Trade Between Rivals? Don’t Rule It Out
Historically, the Cubs have had every reason to be cautious when picking up the phone to call St. Louis.
The most infamous deal between these two clubs sent Lou Brock south, and Cubs fans are still haunted by what he became in a Cardinals uniform. But this is a different era, and with Chaim Bloom now steering the ship in St.
Louis, the Cards are clearly in teardown mode – and that could create an opportunity the Cubs can’t afford to ignore.
Cubs Outfield Depth: A Puzzle Still Missing a Piece
The Cubs’ outfield picture is in flux. With Owen Caissie traded and Kyle Tucker now out west in Los Angeles, the team is in the market for a reliable fourth outfielder – ideally someone who can contribute in 2026 and beyond. That urgency is only heightened by the looming free agency of both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki after this season.
Top prospect Kevin Alcantara is the internal favorite to step into that role, and he’ll get every chance to prove himself in spring training. Non-roster invitees Justin Dean and Chas McCormick are also in the mix, and don’t count out a potential resurgence from Dylan Carlson, who could make some noise in camp. But outside of Alcantara, none of these options scream long-term solution.
What the Cubs really need is a player who can fill a bench role in 2026 but also grow into a starting job as the outfield turns over. Enter Lars Nootbaar.
Why Lars Nootbaar Fits the Cubs’ Needs
Nootbaar, 28, checks a lot of boxes for the Cubs. He’s a left-handed bat with pop – his 118 wRC+ over the last three seasons is no fluke.
He’s also a rock-solid defender, having compiled 15 Defensive Runs Saved across nearly 4,000 innings in the outfield. That’s the kind of versatility and reliability the Cubs could use next to Pete Crow-Armstrong, especially if Happ or Suzuki – or both – depart in free agency.
Crucially, Nootbaar still has two years of team control left through arbitration. While he may not be a long-term cornerstone, he’s more than a stopgap. He could start in either corner outfield spot, back up center field, and give the Cubs lineup a lefty presence with some thump – all while playing above-average defense.
The Cardinals Are Selling – And Nootbaar Might Be Next
St. Louis has made it clear they’re rebuilding.
This offseason alone, they’ve moved on from Sonny Gray, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras. Nootbaar’s name has been floated in trade talks as well, and if the Cardinals are serious about reshaping their roster, moving him could be the next logical step.
For the Cubs, the idea of acquiring a key piece from their biggest rival might feel uncomfortable. But baseball is a business, and the Cubs are in a position where fit matters more than history. If their internal options don’t pan out this spring, Nootbaar could become a real target – and one worth swallowing some pride to acquire.
Bottom Line
It’s rare to see the Cubs and Cardinals do business together. But with St.
Louis rebuilding and the Cubs eyeing the postseason, the stars might actually be aligning. Lars Nootbaar isn’t just a name on a list – he’s a legit fit for what the Cubs need right now and possibly in the seasons to come.
If the front office is willing to look past nearly 20 years of rivalry silence, this could be the deal that breaks the drought – and helps both teams move forward.
