Cardinals Reinstate Lars Nootbaar Amid Trade Interest from Astros, Phillies

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals have begun a partial sell-off, trading relievers Ryan Helsley and Steven Matz while fielding offers for key players including Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, and Alec Burleson. Despite interest from teams like the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak stated the club was not motivated to trade players under team control unless blown away by offers, leading to the decision to retain Donovan and Nootbaar. Nootbaar, who has been dealing with a rib injury but recently returned from rehab, has underperformed this season but remains a desirable left-handed bat with two years of team control left. Donovan, an All-Star this season, and Burleson, enjoying a career-best offensive year, are also controlled for multiple seasons, making them attractive trade pieces. The Cardinals currently hold a .500 record and show potential to rebound to playoff contention, keeping their core intact for now despite the bullpen losses. The team continues to weigh options at the deadline amid interest in bolstering other clubs with their young talent.