The St. Louis Cardinals have officially completed a trade with the New York Yankees, sending outfielder Lars Nootbaar to the Bronx in exchange for two promising prospects: middle infielder Roderick Arias and catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores.
Trade Details:
- Cardinals Receive:
- Roderick Arias (20-year-old middle infielder, Yankees’ 7th-ranked prospect)
- Rafael Flores (catcher/first baseman, Yankees’ 17th-ranked prospect)
- Yankees Receive:
- Lars Nootbaar (outfielder)
Nootbaar, 26, was a reliable outfielder for the Cardinals, hitting .244 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 2024. Despite his solid defense and baserunning, Nootbaar’s departure signals the Cardinals’ commitment to their rebuilding strategy, as they continue to focus on acquiring young talent to build for the future. Nootbaar was under contract for 2025, earning $2.95 million, with two more years of team control before becoming a free agent in 2028.
In return, the Cardinals have received two young, high-potential players. Arias, ranked as the Yankees’ 7th-best prospect, is a 20-year-old middle infielder who played in A-ball last season, hitting .233 with 13 home runs and 74 RBIs. Flores, the 17th-ranked prospect in the Yankees’ system, has primarily played as a catcher and first baseman, impressing at the AA level with a .279 batting average, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 2024.
This trade is part of the Cardinals’ broader effort to restock their farm system and build for the future. By acquiring top prospects in Arias and Flores, the Cardinals strengthen their depth in key positions, setting the stage for a competitive return in the coming seasons.
Cardinals fans can look forward to seeing these young talents develop and contribute to the team’s long-term success as the franchise continues its rebuilding phase.
