*This is a prediction*

The Cleveland Guardians are coming off having an interesting 2025 MLB season. It was a season in which they won the American League Central Division, but ended up not going far in the playoffs as their team stalled out and their offense let them down. In the process of all this, it also became clear that their outfield is still a work in progress.

A way that the Guardians can fix their outfield issue for 2026 is by trading for Lars Nootbaar.

St. Louis Cardinals Trade Lars Nootbaar to the Cleveland Guardians

There are multiple players that are being rumored to be in trade discussions for the St. Louis Cardinals as they look to restructure the team for the future. Of the players that have been mentioned, it is Lars Nootbaar, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Arenado. With the Cardinals already having traded Sonny Gray this offseason, it is clear they are going forward with making trades.

For Lars Nootbaar, he hasn’t exactly provided immense offensive production in recent seasons, but he has at the very least stayed consistent with his production in key areas like with getting on base with a career .341 on-base percentage, and he is able to be a precise hitter, which has led to a 12.8% walk rate since 2021, along with striking out just 20.2% over his career.

The Guardians’ outfield needs depth, as Chase DeLauter and George Valera have both struggled with injuries throughout their careers, and with losing Lane Thomas in free agency, solidifying the depth becomes an even bigger need.

By Trading for Lars Nootbaar, the Guardians would get someone who can provide the consistency they need, and someone that brings versatility to play all outfield spots for Cleveland to maximize their lineups.