The St. Louis Cardinals have shown some improvement after a tough start to the 2024 season. After beginning with a 24-26 record, they recently won 8 out of 10 games, moving up from last place to third in the NL Central by May 25.
In the offseason, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak made several moves to strengthen the team after their 71-91 record in 2023. Although improving the pitching staff was a priority, trading outfielder Tyler O’Neill has emerged as a questionable decision.
In a May 21 article by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, titled “1 Offseason Mulligan Each MLB Team Wishes It Had,” the Cardinals’ trade of O’Neill to the Boston Red Sox was highlighted. O’Neill is having a breakout offensive season, while the Cardinals’ lineup has struggled.
Tyler O’Neill Having Power Surge in Boston
Along with hitting 11 home runs, the 28-year-old O’Neill drove in 17 runs and scored 29 times in his first 148 at-bats of the 2024 season.
“O’Neill is in his final season before becoming a free agent, and the Cardinals had a surplus of seemingly capable outfielders,” Miller wrote. “Trading him to Boston for two pitching prospects seemed reasonable.”
“Unfortunately, while O’Neill has hit 11 home runs for the Red Sox, the group of Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Michael Siani, and Dylan Carlson has been a disaster for St. Louis, combining for zero home runs in 247 plate appearances.”
“This has significantly contributed to a Cardinals offense that ranks last in the National League in total runs scored, with the team (at the time) six games below .500.”
A Recent Redbird Reunion
O’Neill returned to Busch Stadium on May 17 when the Red Sox played a three-game interleague series against the Cardinals. He received a standing ovation from Cardinal Nation during his first at-bat, a common gesture for former fan favorites returning to the Gateway City.
He was even applauded by the Cardinals dugout and manager Oliver Marmol, who had publicly criticized O’Neill in 2023. Many believe their falling out led to the departure of the former two-time Gold Glove winner from St. Louis. However, O’Neill recently stated that he and Marmol have since reconciled and now hold mutual respect for each other. Ultimately, he says his focus is on helping the Red Sox win now.
“I think at the time I handled it appropriately,” O’Neill said to host and former MLB player AJ Pierzynski on the ‘Foul Territory’ podcast after his return to St. Louis. “Obviously, you don’t want to create any division like that. But it was definitely a situation.”
“I’m glad it’s all behind us, and Oli and I were able to move past it. In the end, it turned into mutual respect from a distance. We ended on good terms, and I’m very thankful for that. I have nothing but gratitude for the city and the organization in St. Louis. But everything comes to an end, and it was my time to move on.”
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