Finding a trade partner for Nootbar and Herrera

[opti mist]

I asked Grok about the Yankees

A package centered on a top-100 prospect or two plus additional pieces or MLB talent would be a solid return for the Cardinals.

Player Profiles (as of late July 2026)
Lars Nootbaar (OF, 28 years old): Switch-hitter (primarily lefty bat) coming off heel surgeries that limited him early in 2026. In limited action (133-137 AB), he's hitting around **.241 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, good OBP (.344-.346), and strong plate discipline/walk rates. He's a solid defender with speed/tools but not a big power guy. He's on a 1-year deal ($5.35M) for 2026, arb-eligible in 2027, and a free agent in 2028. His value is somewhat depressed by the slow 2026 start/injury history, but he fits as a versatile, high-OBP outfielder.

Ivan Herrera (C/DH, 26 years old): Right-handed hitting catcher with a strong bat. In 2026 (~385-389 AB), he's posting **.244/.365-.366 with 12 HR, 44 RBI, and a .745-.748 OPS. He's an All-Star level mention in some contexts with good OBP skills and control through 2029. Defensive improvements are a focus, but his bat profiles well even as a DH or platoon catcher. Catchers with offensive upside are premium assets.

The Cardinals aren't aggressively shopping either (they're around .500 and in vague contention), but calls are coming in, especially for Herrera amid a hot catcher market.

Yankees Trade Fit and Good Return
The Yankees have needs in the outfield (injury/depth issues) and at catcher (Austin Wells struggling offensively). Both players could help immediately.

A good return for STL might look like:
A mid-to-high-level Yankees prospect (e.g., Dax Kilby, a top-100 SS/INF who's been discussed in trade talks) + another prospect (pitcher or position player) + a lower-level piece or MLB depth arm/bat.
Or: Spencer Jones (OF, change-of-scenery candidate) or a young MLB-ready arm like Elmer Rodríguez + additional pieces.

Yankees prioritize win-now, so they might include a controllable MLB piece. For two players (one with limited control left, one with more), expect 2-3 prospects headlined by a Top 100 guy + filler. If the Yankees are aggressive, they could overpay slightly with prospect capital to address two needs in one deal. Nootbaar's injury-depressed value and Herrera's catcher premium balance each other out.

Other Interested Teams and Potential Offers
Catcher market is active, with interest in Herrera (and similar profiles). Outfield depth needs are widespread.

Contenders needing catcher (e.g., Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Rays)**: Could offer mid-tier prospects or young MLB talent. Dodgers have deep farm systems and might package pitching depth. Red Sox/Rangers could include position players or lower Top 100 arms.
Teams needing outfield/versatile bat (e.g., Angels, Reds, Royals, Pirates, Mets)**: For Nootbaar primarily. Could yield mid-level prospects or MLB swaps (e.g., a reliever or utility bat + prospect).
General packages: Expect **a Top 100-200 prospect + a lower piece for one player, or better if packaged. Teams won't give up elite untouchables unless it's a big overpay, but Herrera's control and righty bat make him especially appealing.

Bottom line: For the Yankees specifically, a package around a guy like Dax Kilby + 1-2 more pieces would be fair-to-good value for STL, giving them prospect capital to rebuild depth while addressing Yankees' immediate holes. Actual trades depend on how desperate NY is and how the broader market shakes out before the deadline. Cardinals hold leverage since they're not forced to sell.

[opti mist]

Dax Kilby is a 19-year-old left-handed hitting shortstop (born November 17, 2006) drafted by the Yankees in the first round (No. 39 overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Newnan High School in Georgia. He stands 6'2"/190 lbs, throws right-handed, and is currently ranked as the Yankees' No. 4 prospect and a Top 100 overall prospect (around No. 94 on MLB Pipeline).

Scouting Grades (MLB Pipeline)
Hit: 60**
Power: 50**
Run: 60**
Arm: 50**
Field: 45**
Overall: 55**

These are future/potential grades. He was viewed as one of the more polished high school bats in his draft class.

Strengths
Advanced Hit Tool and Approach**: Kilby features a quick, compact left-handed swing with excellent barrel control and a mature, disciplined plate approach for his age. He rarely chases outside the zone, makes consistent contact, and sprays line drives gap-to-gap. This polish helped him post strong early pro numbers, including a .353/.457/.441 slash in a brief 2025 Single-A debut.

Athleticism and Speed**: Plus straight-line speed (plus runner potential) with good athleticism. He has shown base-stealing ability and uses his legs well.

Projectable Power and Frame**: He already drives balls 400+ feet at times. His lean, athletic 6'2" frame has significant room to add strength, which should translate to at least average (and potentially plus) game power as he matures. High school production included a .495 average, 5 HR, and .838 SLG in his senior year.

Competitor/Makeup**: Described positively by scouts and coaches as a high-character, driven player who performed against quality competition on the showcase circuit and led his team to a state title.

Weaknesses and Risks
Defense at Shortstop**: This is the biggest question mark. He has a funky arm action (exacerbated by past shoulder issues/growth spurt) that affects accuracy and strength from the position. Field grade is below average currently, raising the possibility of a move to second base, third base, or left field long-term. He’s athletic enough to adapt, but range and hands may not profile as a premium SS.

Youth and Inexperience**: As a recent high school draftee (just turning 19 in late 2026), he is still early in pro development. Early pro stats show promise but also the expected adjustments (e.g., some lower averages in small samples).

Power Consistency**: Current power is more gap-oriented; he needs to add strength and refine his lift to reach over-the-fence potential consistently against better pitching.

2026 Performance and Outlook
In limited 2026 action at Single-A (Tampa Tarpons), he’s shown on-base ability but is still adjusting. His career minor league slash is strong (~.318/.423/.855 in small samples), highlighting his bat-first profile.

ETA: Likely 2028–2029, with a chance to move quickly if the bat translates and he handles a position change smoothly.

Overall Analysis
Kilby profiles as a high-floor, bat-first prospect with the upside of a solid everyday player (or better) thanks to his hit tool, approach, and athleticism. He’s the type of polished high school hitter who can accelerate through the system. The main risk is positional fit—if he sticks at shortstop with improvements, his value skyrockets; otherwise, he becomes a versatile INF/OF with a strong bat.

In a Yankees system loaded with high-upside but raw talent (e.g., George Lombard Jr.), Kilby stands out for his polish and could be a key piece in future trades or the lineup. Scouts like him as a potential .280+ hitter with 15–20 HR power and good OBP, which would make him a valuable contributor even if shifted off shortstop. He’s a name to watch closely in the lower minors this season and beyond.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Hard no on Spencer Jones.

[kyace]

Herrera would be a good fit as they don’t want a full time catcher but one to share duties with Wells against left handers. Finding bats when not catching may be limited as they have Rice and Goldy sharing DH.
Nootbaar maybe now Bellinger out for 6 weeks. I would think though if they get Nootbaar and Herrera that Jones would be part of return as Nootbaar could cover centerfield if needed this year and next.

[RunSup]

Hard no on Spencer Jones.

Agreed. No on Spencer. I don't know about the other Yankee prospects.

Also the Dodgers are a great fit for a Herrera package including May and a reliever. They have higher ceiling and more prospects to trade.

Regardless, multiple suitors with Catching needs is good news. Include the A's in the list.

2 catchers could go at the deadline. If the Cardinals don't deal at least 1 now, then when? The market is coming to them.

[Absolut]

I asked grok…
Lars Nootbaar (OF, 28 years old): Switch-hitter

And cut.

[scoutyjones2]

Whoa the team that thinks Ivan is a catcher

[82birds]

I asked Grok about the Yankees

A package centered on a top-100 prospect or two plus additional pieces or MLB talent would be a solid return for the Cardinals.

Player Profiles (as of late July 2026)
Lars Nootbaar (OF, 28 years old): Switch-hitter (primarily lefty bat) coming off heel surgeries that limited him early in 2026. In limited action (133-137 AB), he's hitting around **.241 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, good OBP (.344-.346), and strong plate discipline/walk rates. He's a solid defender with speed/tools but not a big power guy. He's on a 1-year deal ($5.35M) for 2026, arb-eligible in 2027, and a free agent in 2028. His value is somewhat depressed by the slow 2026 start/injury history, but he fits as a versatile, high-OBP outfielder.

Ivan Herrera (C/DH, 26 years old): Right-handed hitting catcher with a strong bat. In 2026 (~385-389 AB), he's posting **.244/.365-.366 with 12 HR, 44 RBI, and a .745-.748 OPS. He's an All-Star level mention in some contexts with good OBP skills and control through 2029. Defensive improvements are a focus, but his bat profiles well even as a DH or platoon catcher. Catchers with offensive upside are premium assets.

The Cardinals aren't aggressively shopping either (they're around .500 and in vague contention), but calls are coming in, especially for Herrera amid a hot catcher market.

Yankees Trade Fit and Good Return
The Yankees have needs in the outfield (injury/depth issues) and at catcher (Austin Wells struggling offensively). Both players could help immediately.

A good return for STL might look like:
A mid-to-high-level Yankees prospect (e.g., Dax Kilby, a top-100 SS/INF who's been discussed in trade talks) + another prospect (pitcher or position player) + a lower-level piece or MLB depth arm/bat.
Or: Spencer Jones (OF, change-of-scenery candidate) or a young MLB-ready arm like Elmer Rodríguez + additional pieces.

Yankees prioritize win-now, so they might include a controllable MLB piece. For two players (one with limited control left, one with more), expect 2-3 prospects headlined by a Top 100 guy + filler. If the Yankees are aggressive, they could overpay slightly with prospect capital to address two needs in one deal. Nootbaar's injury-depressed value and Herrera's catcher premium balance each other out.

Other Interested Teams and Potential Offers
Catcher market is active, with interest in Herrera (and similar profiles). Outfield depth needs are widespread.

Contenders needing catcher (e.g., Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Rays)**: Could offer mid-tier prospects or young MLB talent. Dodgers have deep farm systems and might package pitching depth. Red Sox/Rangers could include position players or lower Top 100 arms.
Teams needing outfield/versatile bat (e.g., Angels, Reds, Royals, Pirates, Mets)**: For Nootbaar primarily. Could yield mid-level prospects or MLB swaps (e.g., a reliever or utility bat + prospect).
General packages: Expect **a Top 100-200 prospect + a lower piece for one player, or better if packaged. Teams won't give up elite untouchables unless it's a big overpay, but Herrera's control and righty bat make him especially appealing.

Bottom line: For the Yankees specifically, a package around a guy like Dax Kilby + 1-2 more pieces would be fair-to-good value for STL, giving them prospect capital to rebuild depth while addressing Yankees' immediate holes. Actual trades depend on how desperate NY is and how the broader market shakes out before the deadline. Cardinals hold leverage since they're not forced to sell.

the Yankees will aim higher than that.

[icon]

I asked Grok about the Yankees

A package centered on a top-100 prospect or two plus additional pieces or MLB talent would be a solid return for the Cardinals.

Player Profiles (as of late July 2026)
Lars Nootbaar (OF, 28 years old): Switch-hitter (primarily lefty bat) coming off heel surgeries that limited him early in 2026. In limited action (133-137 AB), he's hitting around **.241 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, good OBP (.344-.346), and strong plate discipline/walk rates. He's a solid defender with speed/tools but not a big power guy. He's on a 1-year deal ($5.35M) for 2026, arb-eligible in 2027, and a free agent in 2028. His value is somewhat depressed by the slow 2026 start/injury history, but he fits as a versatile, high-OBP outfielder.

Ivan Herrera (C/DH, 26 years old): Right-handed hitting catcher with a strong bat. In 2026 (~385-389 AB), he's posting **.244/.365-.366 with 12 HR, 44 RBI, and a .745-.748 OPS. He's an All-Star level mention in some contexts with good OBP skills and control through 2029. Defensive improvements are a focus, but his bat profiles well even as a DH or platoon catcher. Catchers with offensive upside are premium assets.

The Cardinals aren't aggressively shopping either (they're around .500 and in vague contention), but calls are coming in, especially for Herrera amid a hot catcher market.

Yankees Trade Fit and Good Return
The Yankees have needs in the outfield (injury/depth issues) and at catcher (Austin Wells struggling offensively). Both players could help immediately.

A good return for STL might look like:
A mid-to-high-level Yankees prospect (e.g., Dax Kilby, a top-100 SS/INF who's been discussed in trade talks) + another prospect (pitcher or position player) + a lower-level piece or MLB depth arm/bat.
Or: Spencer Jones (OF, change-of-scenery candidate) or a young MLB-ready arm like Elmer Rodríguez + additional pieces.

Yankees prioritize win-now, so they might include a controllable MLB piece. For two players (one with limited control left, one with more), expect 2-3 prospects headlined by a Top 100 guy + filler. If the Yankees are aggressive, they could overpay slightly with prospect capital to address two needs in one deal. Nootbaar's injury-depressed value and Herrera's catcher premium balance each other out.

Other Interested Teams and Potential Offers
Catcher market is active, with interest in Herrera (and similar profiles). Outfield depth needs are widespread.

Contenders needing catcher (e.g., Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Rays)**: Could offer mid-tier prospects or young MLB talent. Dodgers have deep farm systems and might package pitching depth. Red Sox/Rangers could include position players or lower Top 100 arms.
Teams needing outfield/versatile bat (e.g., Angels, Reds, Royals, Pirates, Mets)**: For Nootbaar primarily. Could yield mid-level prospects or MLB swaps (e.g., a reliever or utility bat + prospect).
General packages: Expect **a Top 100-200 prospect + a lower piece for one player, or better if packaged. Teams won't give up elite untouchables unless it's a big overpay, but Herrera's control and righty bat make him especially appealing.

Bottom line: For the Yankees specifically, a package around a guy like Dax Kilby + 1-2 more pieces would be fair-to-good value for STL, giving them prospect capital to rebuild depth while addressing Yankees' immediate holes. Actual trades depend on how desperate NY is and how the broader market shakes out before the deadline. Cardinals hold leverage since they're not forced to sell.

AI [nonsense]. I stopped reading at Nootbaar's being a switch hitter. Congrats, Elon, on your garbage A! product. It could flunk baseball kindergarten.

[opti mist]

I posted this knowing that many are opposed to any AI analysis. I understand and respect that opinion.

However, in the words of Alistair Begg, "the main thing is the plain thing." Don't miss the main thing, which is: What would a trade with the Yankees look like? Grok's suggestion is what should be discussed, not whether or not Noot is a switch hitter.

Would a trade of Nootbaar and Herrera to the Yankees for
Dax Kilby plus or
for Spencer Jones plus Elmer Rodriquez
either one be a good trade for the Cardinals?

Grok did generate that and I posted to see what people thought about those two proposals. Some responded no to Spencer Jones; no one commented on Dax Kirby.

Opti

[JDW]

Right now if you go to the BTV site and just click on the Board trades, they show a proposed Elmer Rodriguez (+19) for Herrera (+15.9) trade.
Just by the numbers, maybe you would have to add Noot to balance that trade.

Btw, I just show some proposed trades I run across, which doesn't mean I'm for or against them, just posting them for discussion purposes.
Elmer looks ready now for a SP opportunity at the show. Pretty good K rate in milb. Very good BAA numbers. Reminds me of a young Alcantara.

[Futuregm2]

I asked Grok about the Yankees

A package centered on a top-100 prospect or two plus additional pieces or MLB talent would be a solid return for the Cardinals.

Player Profiles (as of late July 2026)
Lars Nootbaar (OF, 28 years old): Switch-hitter (primarily lefty bat) coming off heel surgeries that limited him early in 2026. In limited action (133-137 AB), he's hitting around **.241 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, good OBP (.344-.346), and strong plate discipline/walk rates. He's a solid defender with speed/tools but not a big power guy. He's on a 1-year deal ($5.35M) for 2026, arb-eligible in 2027, and a free agent in 2028. His value is somewhat depressed by the slow 2026 start/injury history, but he fits as a versatile, high-OBP outfielder.

Ivan Herrera (C/DH, 26 years old): Right-handed hitting catcher with a strong bat. In 2026 (~385-389 AB), he's posting **.244/.365-.366 with 12 HR, 44 RBI, and a .745-.748 OPS. He's an All-Star level mention in some contexts with good OBP skills and control through 2029. Defensive improvements are a focus, but his bat profiles well even as a DH or platoon catcher. Catchers with offensive upside are premium assets.

The Cardinals aren't aggressively shopping either (they're around .500 and in vague contention), but calls are coming in, especially for Herrera amid a hot catcher market.

Yankees Trade Fit and Good Return
The Yankees have needs in the outfield (injury/depth issues) and at catcher (Austin Wells struggling offensively). Both players could help immediately.

A good return for STL might look like:
A mid-to-high-level Yankees prospect (e.g., Dax Kilby, a top-100 SS/INF who's been discussed in trade talks) + another prospect (pitcher or position player) + a lower-level piece or MLB depth arm/bat.
Or: Spencer Jones (OF, change-of-scenery candidate) or a young MLB-ready arm like Elmer Rodríguez + additional pieces.

Yankees prioritize win-now, so they might include a controllable MLB piece. For two players (one with limited control left, one with more), expect 2-3 prospects headlined by a Top 100 guy + filler. If the Yankees are aggressive, they could overpay slightly with prospect capital to address two needs in one deal. Nootbaar's injury-depressed value and Herrera's catcher premium balance each other out.

Other Interested Teams and Potential Offers
Catcher market is active, with interest in Herrera (and similar profiles). Outfield depth needs are widespread.

Contenders needing catcher (e.g., Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Rays)**: Could offer mid-tier prospects or young MLB talent. Dodgers have deep farm systems and might package pitching depth. Red Sox/Rangers could include position players or lower Top 100 arms.
Teams needing outfield/versatile bat (e.g., Angels, Reds, Royals, Pirates, Mets)**: For Nootbaar primarily. Could yield mid-level prospects or MLB swaps (e.g., a reliever or utility bat + prospect).
General packages: Expect **a Top 100-200 prospect + a lower piece for one player, or better if packaged. Teams won't give up elite untouchables unless it's a big overpay, but Herrera's control and righty bat make him especially appealing.

Bottom line: For the Yankees specifically, a package around a guy like Dax Kilby + 1-2 more pieces would be fair-to-good value for STL, giving them prospect capital to rebuild depth while addressing Yankees' immediate holes. Actual trades depend on how desperate NY is and how the broader market shakes out before the deadline. Cardinals hold leverage since they're not forced to sell.

AI [nonsense]. I stopped reading at Nootbaar's being a switch hitter. Congrats, Elon, on your garbage A! product. It could flunk baseball kindergarten.

[CCard]

I asked Grok about the Yankees

A package centered on a top-100 prospect or two plus additional pieces or MLB talent would be a solid return for the Cardinals.

Player Profiles (as of late July 2026)
Lars Nootbaar (OF, 28 years old): Switch-hitter (primarily lefty bat) coming off heel surgeries that limited him early in 2026. In limited action (133-137 AB), he's hitting around **.241 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, good OBP (.344-.346), and strong plate discipline/walk rates. He's a solid defender with speed/tools but not a big power guy. He's on a 1-year deal ($5.35M) for 2026, arb-eligible in 2027, and a free agent in 2028. His value is somewhat depressed by the slow 2026 start/injury history, but he fits as a versatile, high-OBP outfielder.

Ivan Herrera (C/DH, 26 years old): Right-handed hitting catcher with a strong bat. In 2026 (~385-389 AB), he's posting **.244/.365-.366 with 12 HR, 44 RBI, and a .745-.748 OPS. He's an All-Star level mention in some contexts with good OBP skills and control through 2029. Defensive improvements are a focus, but his bat profiles well even as a DH or platoon catcher. Catchers with offensive upside are premium assets.

The Cardinals aren't aggressively shopping either (they're around .500 and in vague contention), but calls are coming in, especially for Herrera amid a hot catcher market.

Yankees Trade Fit and Good Return
The Yankees have needs in the outfield (injury/depth issues) and at catcher (Austin Wells struggling offensively). Both players could help immediately.

A good return for STL might look like:
A mid-to-high-level Yankees prospect (e.g., Dax Kilby, a top-100 SS/INF who's been discussed in trade talks) + another prospect (pitcher or position player) + a lower-level piece or MLB depth arm/bat.
Or: Spencer Jones (OF, change-of-scenery candidate) or a young MLB-ready arm like Elmer Rodríguez + additional pieces.

Yankees prioritize win-now, so they might include a controllable MLB piece. For two players (one with limited control left, one with more), expect 2-3 prospects headlined by a Top 100 guy + filler. If the Yankees are aggressive, they could overpay slightly with prospect capital to address two needs in one deal. Nootbaar's injury-depressed value and Herrera's catcher premium balance each other out.

Other Interested Teams and Potential Offers
Catcher market is active, with interest in Herrera (and similar profiles). Outfield depth needs are widespread.

Contenders needing catcher (e.g., Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Rays)**: Could offer mid-tier prospects or young MLB talent. Dodgers have deep farm systems and might package pitching depth. Red Sox/Rangers could include position players or lower Top 100 arms.
Teams needing outfield/versatile bat (e.g., Angels, Reds, Royals, Pirates, Mets)**: For Nootbaar primarily. Could yield mid-level prospects or MLB swaps (e.g., a reliever or utility bat + prospect).
General packages: Expect **a Top 100-200 prospect + a lower piece for one player, or better if packaged. Teams won't give up elite untouchables unless it's a big overpay, but Herrera's control and righty bat make him especially appealing.

Bottom line: For the Yankees specifically, a package around a guy like Dax Kilby + 1-2 more pieces would be fair-to-good value for STL, giving them prospect capital to rebuild depth while addressing Yankees' immediate holes. Actual trades depend on how desperate NY is and how the broader market shakes out before the deadline. Cardinals hold leverage since they're not forced to sell.

I can't go along with anything that doesn't involve a top level pitching talent. Until the pitching is sorted out this team will row in circles aimlessly while claiming they're trying to improve. Pitching...pitching...pitching.

[sikeston bulldog2]

So we, change partners; you must, change partners; you will, change partners; again.

Stills.

[Basil Shabazz]

I'd actually push the Yankees for something like:

Cardinals receive

Spencer Jones
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz
A lower-level lottery-ticket prospect or competitive balance draft value equivalent

Yankees receive

Lars Nootbaar
Ivan Herrera

[Futuregm2]

I'd actually push the Yankees for something like:

Cardinals receive

Spencer Jones
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz
A lower-level lottery-ticket prospect or competitive balance draft value equivalent

Yankees receive

Lars Nootbaar
Ivan Herrera

Or push for a Crooks for Elmer Rodriguez type of deal. I think you could get more for Herrera IMO. I’m not sold on Jones and Elmer Rodriguez is a solid prospect, but not great. He did come from Boston originally when Bloom was there so I’m sure he’s familiar with him.