The St. Louis Cardinals are struggling, currently sitting a half-game out of the NL wild-card spot amid a four-game losing streak, leading to speculation about trading some players before the August 3 deadline. However, outfielder Lars Nootbaar should be off-limits in trade discussions due to his veteran presence, strong performance, and importance to team chemistry, especially as the team transitions with younger players. Nootbaar, who is hitting .256 with a .764 OPS since returning from injury, adds significant value both defensively and offensively. Retaining him and potentially offering a contract extension would be wise for the Cardinals moving forward.
