Lars Nootbaar, who played with Japan during the World Baseball Classic, could play a pivotal role in persuading Roki Sasaki to sign with the Cardinals this offseason, potentially easing Sasaki's transition to Major League Baseball.

Lars Nootbaar had a solid season, posting a 114 wRC+, but injuries limited him to just 109 games. His performance remained valuable, contributing to the team's offensive efforts despite the challenges faced by other players.

Lars Nootbaar has emerged as a fan favorite for the Cardinals, showcasing his versatility as an above-average hitter capable of playing all three outfield positions. Despite injury concerns, his performance in the latter part of the season—batting .280 with an .896 OPS over his last 39 games—has increased his trade value. With club control through 2027, he presents an attractive option for teams in need of outfield depth, making him a viable trade candidate as the Cardinals look to reshape their roster.

Lars Nootbaar is slated to bat fourth for the Cardinals in the final game of the season. As a key player in the lineup, he will be looking to contribute to the team's performance against the Giants, aiming to end the season on a positive note despite both teams missing the playoffs.

Lars Nootbaar homered and tripled, driving in three runs to help secure a 6-3 victory against the Giants. He cut into a 3-1 deficit with a solo homer in the third and later contributed a two-out triple that capped a four-run fourth inning for the Cardinals. Nootbaar leads the team in on-base percentage since the All-Star break.