Rangers Had Interest In Lars Nootbaar Prior To October Surgery

"The Rangers are looking for several new bats as they look to, as GM Ross Fenstermaker indicated at season's end, improve their on-base percentage and contact skills. Newly installed manager Skip Schumaker has already spoken about finding a new offensive identity. One potential target who had popped up on the Rangers' radar, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar."

"At present, it's not clear whether Nootbaar will be ready for Opening Day. Newly minted Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said two weeks ago that Opening Day is neither firmly off the table nor a guarantee for Nootbaar. His readiness (or lack thereof) is still up in the air and hinges on the speed of his recovery. It's also not clear to what extent (if any) the procedure has cooled the Rangers' interest."

"On paper, the Rangers seem to have a full outfield. Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Adolis García are currently projected to line up from left to right field. However, García is coming off two consecutive poor seasons at the plate and projected to earn more than $12MM in what'll be his final trip through the arbitration process. Given his recent struggles, mounting price tag and the Rangers' desire to improve their on-base and contact skills, García stands as a trade candidate or non-tender candidate."

The Rangers are seeking new bats to improve on-base percentage and contact skills, per GM Ross Fenstermaker. Manager Skip Schumaker has emphasized finding a new offensive identity. Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar emerged as a potential target, with St. Louis open to offers and at least one other American League club showing interest. Nootbaar underwent surgery on both heels to address Haglund deformities, and his Opening Day readiness remains uncertain. Texas projects Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Adolis García in the outfield, but García's recent struggles and rising arbitration salary make him a trade or non-tender candidate. Nootbaar's defensive profile in right field aligns with a possible replacement for García.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors