Lars Nootbaar has become one of baseball’s most fascinating stories, blending American roots with Japanese heritage to create a unique path in Major League Baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals outfielder has captured attention not just for his on-field performance but also for his groundbreaking role as the first player born outside Japan to represent the Japanese national team.
This comprehensive look at Nootbaar’s financial landscape reveals impressive growth from an eighth-round draft pick to a multi-million dollar player with lucrative endorsement deals.
Lars Nootbaar’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lars Taylor-Tatsuji Nootbaar |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1997 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Education | University of Southern California |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3″ |
| Weight | 210 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $6.2 million |
| Salary | $2.95 million |
| Relationship Status | Dating Susana Kalish |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Lars Nootbaar’s baseball journey began in El Segundo, California, where he grew up in a multicultural household that would later prove instrumental in his professional career. His father Charlie Nootbaar brought Dutch heritage to the family, while his mother Kumiko Enokida contributed Japanese roots that would eventually open doors to international competition. This unique background created opportunities that most American players could never access.
During his time at El Segundo High School, Nootbaar showcased exceptional athletic versatility, earning recognition as a three-time league MVP in baseball and twice in football as the starting quarterback.
His impressive high school performance attracted attention from multiple universities, with UC Davis and Fordham recruiting him for football while USC successfully landed him for their baseball program.
The transition to college baseball at USC proved challenging but rewarding for Nootbaar. Playing alongside his older brother Nigel, who had previously starred for the Trojans, Lars established himself as a reliable contributor over three seasons.
His sophomore year marked a breakthrough performance when he achieved All-Pac-12 Conference honors after hitting .313 with 34 RBIs, 33 runs scored, and seven home runs. This standout season also earned him a spot with the prestigious Orleans Firebirds in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Professional Career
The St. Louis Cardinals recognized Nootbaar’s potential when they selected him in the eighth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, 243rd overall, signing him for $150,000. His professional debut came with the State College Spikes, where he immediately made an impact by setting a team record with seven RBIs in a single game.
Though his first professional season showed modest numbers with a .227 batting average, two home runs, and 26 RBIs over 56 games, the Cardinals saw enough potential to continue his development.
Nootbaar’s minor league journey took him through various levels of the Cardinals system, including stops with the Peoria Chiefs and Palm Beach Cardinals. The 2020 season presented unique challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the Minor League season, forcing Nootbaar to find alternative employment doing manual labor on fighter jets for an aeronautical company.
This experience provided perspective and motivation that would fuel his determination to reach the major leagues.
His persistence paid off in 2021 when he received his first MLB call-up on June 22, making his debut against the Detroit Tigers. The initial taste of major league action proved brief, but Nootbaar used his time in Memphis to refine his approach and prepare for future opportunities.
His breakthrough came when he established himself as a regular contributor to the Cardinals lineup, earning recognition for his patient approach at the plate and defensive versatility.
Girlfriend
Lars Nootbaar has been in a long-term relationship with Susana Kalish, who was born on May 7, 1998.
The couple began dating in mid-2012, making their relationship over a decade long and showing remarkable stability despite the demands of professional baseball. Susana brings her own impressive academic credentials to the relationship, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience, physiology, and conduct from UC Davis.
Currently, Susana is pursuing a pre-physician assistant certificate at the Keck Graduate Institute, demonstrating her commitment to healthcare and scientific fields.
Her LinkedIn profile indicates she’s actively seeking temporary work opportunities at clinics or medical offices to gain hands-on clinical experience and explore various career paths within healthcare.
This practical approach to gaining experience while completing her studies shows the same dedication that characterizes Nootbaar’s professional development.
Lars Nootbaar’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Lars Nootbaar’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at approximately $6.2 million.
Contract
His current contract situation reflects his emergence as a valuable major league contributor. Nootbaar signed a one-year, $2.95 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, settling his arbitration case.
This represents a significant increase from his previous pre-arbitration salaries and positions him well for future contract negotiations. The arbitration process originally saw the player file for $2.95 million while the team countered at $2.45 million, ultimately settling at Nootbaar’s requested amount.
Salary
The salary progression throughout Nootbaar’s career demonstrates steady growth reflective of his on-field development. His 2025 salary of $2.95 million represents a substantial jump from his 2024 earnings of $761,000.
This dramatic increase reflects both his arbitration eligibility and his established role as a regular contributor to the Cardinals roster. The Cardinals clearly value his versatility, on-base skills, and international marketability enough to invest significantly in his continued development.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Incentives | Total Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Cardinals | – | $150,000 | – | $150,000 |
| 2021 | Cardinals | $263,762 | – | – | $263,762 |
| 2022 | Cardinals | $538,625 | – | $343,687 | $882,312 |
| 2023 | Cardinals | $732,400 | – | $453,092 | $1,185,492 |
| 2024 | Cardinals | $761,000 | – | – | $761,000 |
| 2025 | Cardinals | $2,950,000 | – | – | $2,950,000 |
| Total | $5,245,787 | $150,000 | $796,779 | $6,192,566 |
Endorsements
Nootbaar’s endorsement portfolio received a major boost when he signed a lucrative deal with Adidas, making him the face of the company’s baseball marketing efforts in Japan.
This partnership represents more than just financial gain, as it reflects his unique position as a bridge between American and Japanese baseball cultures. The deal reportedly includes his own shoe line and prominent billboard placement throughout Japan, rivaling the visibility of superstar players like Shohei Ohtani.
Career Statistics
| Year | Team | Games | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cardinals | 58 | 109 | 15 | 26 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 15 | .239 | .317 | .422 | .739 |
| 2022 | Cardinals | 108 | 290 | 53 | 66 | 16 | 3 | 14 | 40 | .228 | .340 | .448 | .788 |
| 2023 | Cardinals | 117 | 426 | 74 | 111 | 23 | 1 | 14 | 46 | .261 | .367 | .418 | .785 |
| 2024 | Cardinals | 109 | 348 | 39 | 85 | 18 | 3 | 12 | 45 | .244 | .342 | .417 | .759 |
| 2025 | Cardinals | 54 | 214 | 35 | 54 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 27 | .252 | .355 | .416 | .771 |
| Career | 446 | 1,387 | 216 | 342 | 71 | 8 | 53 | 173 | .246 | .348 | .424 | .772 |
FAQs
1. What is Lars Nootbaar’s current salary?
Lars Nootbaar earned $2.95 million after settling his arbitration case with the St. Louis Cardinals. This represents a significant increase from his previous pre-arbitration salaries and reflects his established role as a regular contributor to the team’s roster.
2. How much is Lars Nootbaar’s net worth?
Nootbaar’s estimated net worth is approximately $6.2 million, accumulated through his MLB career earnings and endorsement deals. His financial growth has been substantial since signing his initial $150,000 signing bonus in 2018 as an eighth-round draft pick.
3. Who is Lars Nootbaar dating?
He has been in a long-term relationship with Susana Kalish since 2012. Kalish holds a neuroscience degree from UC Davis and is currently pursuing pre-physician assistant studies at the Keck Graduate Institute while seeking clinical experience in healthcare settings.
4. Why can Lars Nootbaar play for Japan’s national team?
Nootbaar qualifies for Japan’s national team through his mother Kumiko Enokida, who holds Japanese citizenship. He became the first player born outside Japan to represent the Samurai Japan national baseball team when selected for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
5. What endorsement deals does Nootbaar have?
His most significant endorsement is with Adidas, who made him the face of their baseball marketing in Japan. The deal includes his own shoe line and prominent billboard placement throughout Japan, capitalizing on his popularity following his World Baseball Classic participation with Team Japan.
