RADIO
Lars Nootbaar 2024 Outlook: Underwhelming Season Leads To Late-Round Value
11 months agoSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar had a solid 2023 season but didn't live up to the preseason hype surrounding him. His predicted breakout was based on his solid advanced numbers and a hot second half of 2022, which he was able to turn into a starting job in 2023. Even though his advanced numbers were still solid in 2023, with an xwOBA of .356 (81st percentile), he wasn't able to turn it into great fantasy production. Nootbaar hit .261 with a .780 OPS, adding 14 homers and 11 swipes in 503 plate appearances. He still has the skills to be a solid fantasy contributor, but he would need to increase his playing time by staying healthy and playing against lefties more, two things that are mostly out of his control. It is hard to say if this will change or not, but if he were to get in a full season, Nootbaar has 20 HR, 20 SB potential. He has the potential to break out and isn't a bad late-round flier at his current ADP of 199. Given that he can provide middling production even if he doesn't break out, he is a solid choice as a bench option this late.
