The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t done yet. After a blockbuster offseason that already includes the addition of Shohei Ohtani, the team is still eyeing ways to round out its roster - and the outfield remains a clear area of need.
One name that’s surfaced in trade talks: St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar.
According to multiple reports, including from The Athletic, the Dodgers are among the teams showing interest in Nootbaar as they look to shore up their outfield depth before Opening Day. With the Cardinals already dealing this offseason - including sending All-Star pitcher Sonny Gray to Boston - the door is open for more movement, and Nootbaar could be one of the next names on the move.
So why Nootbaar? For starters, he checks several boxes the Dodgers are looking to fill.
He’s a left-handed bat with the ability to play all three outfield spots, and he brings five years of major league experience. While 2025 wasn’t his strongest season at the plate, he still managed to drive in a career-high 48 runs and hit double-digit home runs - all while playing through injuries that eventually required double heel surgery at season’s end.
That surgery is a key piece of the puzzle here. Nootbaar’s status for Opening Day is still uncertain, and while he’s not expected to miss significant time, it’s possible he won’t be ready for the first pitch of the season. That could make him a more affordable option in trade talks - something the Dodgers could capitalize on if they’re willing to wait a few weeks for him to get back to full strength.
Even with a dip in offensive production last season, Nootbaar owns a career OPS+ of 109, meaning he’s been an above-league-average hitter over his time in the majors. That kind of profile - a versatile, left-handed outfielder with solid offensive upside - fits nicely into what the Dodgers are looking for, especially if they’re seeking value rather than another high-priced splash.
Defensively, there are some concerns. Nootbaar’s glove hasn’t been elite, and that could give the Dodgers pause, especially given the importance of run prevention in a deep postseason run. But in a pinch - or if the market doesn’t offer better options - Nootbaar could be a serviceable solution, particularly in a platoon or depth role.
It’s also worth noting the familiarity factor. Nootbaar played alongside Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Team Japan during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. That kind of chemistry might not show up on a stat sheet, but in a clubhouse loaded with star power and international talent, it could help smooth the transition.
At 28 years old, Nootbaar represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward target - the kind of move the Dodgers have made a habit of getting right. If they decide to pull the trigger, it wouldn’t be the flashiest move of the offseason, but it could be one that pays dividends down the stretch.