Phillies could trade for Lars Nootbaar to fix center field issues: Report

The Philadelphia Phillies are having trouble with their center fielder position. Brandon Marsh, who took his place in 2024, has been underwhelming. His batting average has not been very good, and he does not have great defensive skills. The team has thus sought alternatives to fill his place. One of the players whose names have come up in trade rumors is Lars Nootbaar of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brandon Marsh's performance raises concerns for Phillies
In 2024, the Phillies acquired Brandon Marsh from the Los Angeles Angels with the plan to lock up their center field position. However, Marsh's play has been disappointing.

“If I hear Brandon Marsh and ceiling one more time... Here’s the sound, *pop.* That’s Brandon Marsh’s head, he’s hitting the mediocre ceiling that he’s at. That’s it, he’s there, the ceiling has been reached.

And he is 0 for April. Do you know how many players are 0 for April… pic.twitter.com/XvJFEQf31m

— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) April 11, 2025

On offense, he has been averaging only .133 this season. His defense has graded below average, adding further frustration to the team. It is this marriage of both the offense and defense that has prompted the Phillies to look elsewhere to strengthen their lineup.
Lars Nootbaar becomes a trade optionSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, 27, has been talked about as a potential solution to the Phillies' center field issue. Nootbaar is a player who can get on base and play good defense. Though he is primarily utilised in corner outfield positions, he also has experience as a center fielder, with over 700 innings and a +1 outs above average rating.

Matthew Sullivan of Athlon Sports identified Nootbaar as a trade candidate, mentioning that the Cardinals have a short of outfielders and would be willing to trade him if the right offer arises.

Sullivan penned, "The Cardinals have a crowded outfield, and with a weak rotation and organizational depth, may trade Nootbaar if there is a willing suitor. Philadelphia needs outfield help and could be one of the best possible destinations for Nootbaar."

The Phillies possess a fairly deep system, and one that could be utilized to facilitate a trade for Nootbaar. The Cardinals aren't in the spot right now where they have a sense of urgency to trade him, with three years of team control remaining on his deal, but the Phillies making them a strong offer could get them to negotiate.

Adding Nootbaar would provide the Phillies with an offensive and defensive contributor who can help with their problems at center field.


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