Cardinals Reportedly Would 'Jump On' Chance To Trade Award-Winning Outfielder
The St. Louis Cardinals are going to have to get creative this offseason in order to turn around a club that finished in last place of the National League Central.
The Cardinals have openly said they would like to add at least three starters to the rotation and will need to work on their bullpen as well. One of the ways to acquire some of these pieces likely will be via trade, as St. Louis has a deep position player group to deal from.
Among the many players who could be offered up in trades, there is a two-time Gold Glove winner who St. Louis reportedly would love to move on from.
"Tyler O’Neill’s perceived trade value has never been lower, but if there’s a suitor for the oft-injured outfielder, St. Louis will jump on it," The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey wrote Tuesday.
O'Neill hit .231 with 23 extra-base hits including nine home runs, 21 RBIs and a .715 OPS (94 OPS+) in 72 games this season.
The 28-year-old battled injuries for the majority of the season, which has been a career-long trend. His contract expires at the end of the 2024 season, so this winter would be a logical time to trade him.
St. Louis already has outfielders Lars Nootbar, Jordan Walker, Dylan Carlson, Alec Burleson, Richie Palacios, Juan Yepez, Moisés Gómez and Michael Siani on the 40-man roster. Versatile defenders Tommy Edman and Brandon Donovan also are capable of patrolling the outfielder if needed.
The Cardinals almost certainly will deal out of this group to acquire an impact starter, and O'Neill could be the first name that St. Louis offers up when that time comes.
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