Lars Nootbaar Has Revamped Swing
10 months agoIn his first season with a projected starting role in 2024, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar retooled his swing in the offseason with the help of Nolan Arenado after a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw him miss round 40 games due to injuries. Nootbaar revamped his swing mechanics in hopes of adding more power. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter clubbed 14 homers with a .418 slugging percentage in 426 at-bats in 2023, but there could be more power in his lumber. Nootbaar has always had great plate discipline, but he wanted to work on his lower half while also being able to lift more balls in the air to his pull side. Nootbaar's hands are now lower off his shoulders, which will allow him to create a more vertical swing path. Even if Nootbaar's average suffers as a result, it should lead to more backspin and balls clearing the fences. His power/speed combination makes him an intriguing fourth or fifth fantasy outfielder with upside.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo