Cardinals Trade Lars Nootbaar to Diamondbacks

The St. Louis Cardinals have sent outfielder Lars Nootbaar to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a deadline-day deal. In return, the Cardinals acquire right-handed pitcher Daniel Eagen and left-handed pitcher Sando Santana. Reporter Katie Woo reported that the transaction was completed before the trade deadline, which expired at 5 p.m. Central Time. The move follows the Cardinals’ earlier trades of pending free-agent pitchers Dustin May and JoJo Romero to the Milwaukee Brewers.

KTVI - St. Louis

Lars Nootbaar, 27, spent six seasons with St. Louis, posting a .241 batting average, 61 home runs and 210 runs batted in. He has been noted for his positive demeanor, versatility in the outfield, and occasional lineup flexibility, though injuries have limited his availability at times. The Diamondbacks receive Nootbaar alongside longtime teammate Nolan Arenado, a player with whom he shares a close friendship. Pitcher Daniel Eagen is a right-hander, while Sando Santana throws left-handed; both are expected to add depth to the Cardinals’ bullpen.

KTVI - St. Louis

The Cardinals, sitting at a sub-.500 record, appear to be reshaping their roster ahead of the season’s final stretch. By moving Nootbaar and two pending free-agent starters, the club has cleared space for younger talent and added two pitching options. Arizona, meanwhile, has bolstered its outfield and lineup depth, a move that aligns with its recent surge in National League postseason prospects.

KTVI - St. Louis

For St. Louis, the trade signals a shift toward pitching reinforcement and roster flexibility as the team seeks to improve its standing. Arizona’s acquisition of Nootbaar and the continued presence of Arenado aim to sustain the Diamondbacks’ momentum and enhance offensive production as they chase a playoff berth. Both organizations will assess the long-term value of the exchanged players as the season progresses.

KTVI - St. Louis