Every year, or at least every year since 2012, we’ve taken some time after the season was over to look at the past 162 games through the lens of the players that played them (and the management that was in charge of them). Last year, the Exit Interview series spent less time digging into splits and finding numerical oddities and more time reflecting on the player and their season. It was a style that seemed to work so we’re going to bring it back again this year. The legendary cardinalsgifs is back to bring us excellent series art, so it’s all downhill after you see that!
Player: Lars Nootbaar
Stats: 109 G, 405 PA, 39 R, 18 2B, 3 3B, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 7 SB, 3 CS, .244/.342/.417, 1.5 bWAR
Statcast: 9.9% barrel, 32.2% sweet spot, 113.5 max exit velocity, .331 wOBA, .358 xwOBA, 19.5 K%, 12.8 BB%
Grade: C
When Nootbaar was on the field, he was pretty much what everyone expected from the sensation that took over Japan in the World Baseball Classic a year ago. He showed power, a good eye, and played solid defense. He infused the team with personality and the “Noooot” chants were still fairly common. He really finally got into his groove in September, when he posted a .290/.421/.565 slash line. Play like that, especially at the end of the season, can get people excited about what’s to come.
The issue is, as it so often is, he wasn’t on the field as much as you would like. He started the year injured and hit the list again at the end of May for a month-long stint. Finding a healthy consistency could be huge for Noot to take the next step in his development. He just turned 27 in September so there’s still plenty that he can unlock if he can stay out there on a regular basis.
What’s in store for 2025: Nootbaar is going to have a starting job come Opening Day in one corner outfield spot or another. Given this young lineup, he’s going to be one of the grizzled veterans and will have to show leadership as well as health to fully capitalize on his potential.
