THE “NOOT” CONNECTION: Shohei Ohtani’s Gravitational Pull Leads Dodgers to Lars Nootbaar.vc
THE “VIBE CHECK” TRADE
LOS ANGELES, CA—The rumor mill surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals just reached a fever pitch, and the name surfacing isn’t the one many expected. While Brendan Donovan was long considered the primary target for L.A., reports from The Athletic and Dodgers Way confirm that the Dodgers have shifted their focus to outfielder Lars Nootbaar.
The “hidden factor” driving this pursuit? Shohei Ohtani. This isn’t just about outfield depth; it is about “roster alignment” and the unique social infrastructure the Dodgers are building. Nootbaar was the breakout “vibes guy” for Team Japan during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he formed an inseparable bond with Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Insiders suggest that Ohtani’s presence is “quietly shaping” the Dodgers’ evaluation of fit, as the team looks to surround their $700 million centerpiece with a “comfort zone” of familiar, elite-level teammates.
WHY NOOTBAAR? THE “LOCAL BOY” NARRATIVE
For Nootbaar, a trade would be a homecoming. The 28-year-old grew up in El Segundo, just miles from Dodger Stadium, and his mother’s Japanese heritage made him a cultural icon in Tokyo alongside Ohtani.
- The OBP Machine: Despite a career-worst offensive season in 2025 (hitting just .234 with a .686 OPS), Nootbaar maintains an elite eye at the plate. His .424 OBP during the WBC is the standard the Dodgers believe they can recapture.
- The “Cheaper” Alternative: Because Nootbaar is coming off double heel surgery and a down year, his trade value is currently at an all-time low. He is significantly “cheaper” in terms of prospect cost than Brendan Donovan or Steven Kwan.
- The Edman Factor: Nootbaar is also a former teammate of Tommy Edman, who has thrived since moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles in 2024. The “St. Louis-to-L.A. Pipeline” is becoming a proven strategic path.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE NOOTBAAR PROFILE
| Metric | 2025 Statistics | The “Dodger Factor” |
| Team Control | 2 Years Remaining | Fits the Dodgers’ 2026-27 window. |
| Defensive Value | Top Tier | Can play all three outfield spots (Elite in RF). |
| Sprint Speed | 39th Percentile (2025) | Expected to jump back to 80th+ post-heel surgery. |
| WBC OBP | .424 | The “peak” performance Ohtani witnessed firsthand. |
THE “PRESSURE” ON ST. LOUIS
For the Cardinals, the Dodgers’ interest introduces a level of pressure Chaim Bloom didn’t anticipate this early in their rebuild. While the Cardinals “aren’t actively seeking” to trade Nootbaar, the Dodgers’ deep well of young pitching depth is exactly what St. Louis needs to jumpstart their reset.
“When Shohei Ohtani’s influence enters the equation, moves tend to happen faster than anticipated,” one scout noted. “The Dodgers aren’t just chasing talent; they’re building a culture. If Ohtani wants his WBC teammate in blue, Andrew Friedman is going to find a way to make it happen.”
