Rival NL exec makes bold Cardinals prediction on Alec Burdleson, Lars Nootbaar

The St. Louis Cardinals went under new leadership this offseason, with John Mozeliak stepping down, and former Boston Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom taking over.

Since he's become the leader of the Cardinals, they've made a series of big trades. Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Brendan Donovan have all been dealt this offseason.

But, there might be more coming this spring, as a rival National League executive, in a prediction to The Athletic's Jayson Stark, suggested that one of Lars Nootbaar or Alec Burleson could be on the move before the 2026 MLB season.

Rival NL Exec predicts Cardinals will trade Nootbaar or Burleson

"I think St. Louis is still going," this rival NL executive said. "And I wouldn't be surprised if Nootbaar or Burleson got moved."

Trading has been the name of the game for the Cardinals since Bloom took over. They've been tearing down the roster of their veteran players, and more moves could be on the horizon for the Cardinals.

Burleson is a bit younger at 27 years old compared to Nootbaar at 28, and he is also under control for one extra season, has three more years of control compared to Nootbaar's two.

If either were to be traded, Burleson would surely fetch the better return. But, with the Cardinals looking to rebuild and prepare for more than two years from now, Nootbaar is a very likely trade candidate.

After a .686 OPS season in 2025, the Cardinals outfielder is a very likely trade candidate. He might not fetch a great return, but the five-year veteran would still be a good player to trade for if a team needs outfield help.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

He's a good fielder, and while he might not bring the most power, his contact skills are decent enough, and on a contender, he might be able to get back above a 100 OPS+ after a 95 this past season.

Burleson can play first base and the outfield, but his better defensive position is in the outfield. He's a better hitter than Nootbaar, hitting .290 this past season with an .801 OPS.

He'll draw more in return in a trade, but the Cardinals and Bloom might be more hesitant to trade him since he's under control for three seasons.

This rival NL executive believes one of Burleson or Nootbaar will be on the move before the 2026 MLB season. And even if neither is dealt this spring, the trade deadline would be a good time for Bloom to pounce on a desperate, OF-needy team in a trade.

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