AnalysisLars Nootbaar, who is headed to Arizona, has a good arm and can play all three outfield positions. Michael B. Thomas / Getty ImagesAug. 3, 2026 7:29 pm EDT Updated The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline.The tradeCardinals get: RHP Daniel Eagen, LHP Sandro Santana Diamondbacks get: OF Lars NootbaarDiamondbacks finally act to address one glaring needCardinals: B+
Diamondbacks: B-For a team with close to 50 percent playoff odds, the Diamondbacks were shockingly quiet before finally getting a much-needed bat for their outfield. The team had gotten almost nothing from the left field position this season and had the majors’ lowest wRC+ against right-handed pitching. A left-handed outfielder was an obvious fit from the beginning, and Nootbaar fits the bill. He has a good arm, can play all three outfield positions, and he’s had success against right-handers in his career. In a market that wasn’t exactly loaded with difference-making outfielders, Nootbaar does the trick.For the Cardinals, the trade is just the latest step in a rebuild that has been going on since the offseason. They’ve traded mostly expensive veterans or players on expiring contracts, but for the right price, they’ve been willing to trade controllable assets. They dealt Brendan Donovan to the Mariners this offseason, and now they’ve sent Nootbaar to the Diamondbacks. Like Donovan, Nootbaar was drafted in 2018 and will be under team control through next season. By swapping him for a couple of Double-A arms, the Cardinals stick with their rebuild and keep prioritizing their long-term future. — Chad JenningsAug 3, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
