Cardinals’ Trade of Tyler O’Neill Labeled ‘Mulligan’ Amid Offensive Struggles
The St. Louis Cardinals have shown signs of recovery after a difficult start to the 2024 season. Following a 24-26 record in the initial two months, the team experienced a strong performance, winning 8 out of 10 games and advancing from last place to third in the NL Central by May 25.
During the offseason, John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, made several key moves to improve a team that finished with a 71-91 record in 2023. Pitching was a significant focus, but the trade of outfielder Tyler O’Neill to the Boston Red Sox has emerged as a potentially regrettable decision.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report highlighted this in a May 21 article titled “1 Offseason Mulligan Each MLB Team Wishes It Had.” For the Cardinals, the trade of O’Neill was identified as the move they might wish to undo. O’Neill has been having a breakout year offensively with the Red Sox, while the Cardinals’ lineup has struggled to find consistency. This trade is increasingly viewed as a misstep, given O’Neill’s success and the Cardinals’ offensive challenges.
Tyler O’Neill Having Power Surge in Boston
Along with hitting 11 home runs, the 28-year-old Tyler O’Neill has driven 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 hitting free agency, and the Cardinals had a logjam of what appeared to be serviceable outfielders,” Miller wrote. “Trading him to Boston for a pair of pitching prospects made sense.”
“Unfortunately, while O’Neill has clubbed 11 home runs for the Red Sox, the quartet 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 trips to the plate.”
“This has contributed significantly to a Cardinals offense that ranks dead last in the National League in total runs scored and a record (at the time) six games below .500.”
The lack of production from the outfield has been a major issue for the Cardinals, exacerbating their offensive struggles. As O’Neill thrives in Boston, the decision to trade him has become increasingly scrutinized, highlighting the Cardinals’ challenges in finding reliable offensive contributors within their current roster.
A Recent Redbird Reunion
Tyler O’Neill returned to Busch Stadium on May 17 when the Boston Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game interleague series. In his first at-bat, O’Neill received a standing ovation from Cardinal Nation, a standard practice for a returning former favorite. The applause extended to the Cardinals’ dugout and even manager Oliver Marmol, who had publicly criticized O’Neill in 2023. Many believe this fallout contributed to O’Neill’s departure from St. Louis.
Despite their past issues, O’Neill recently mentioned that he and Marmol have since buried the hatchet and developed mutual respect for each other. Reflecting on his return, O’Neill emphasized that his focus remains on helping the Red Sox win.
“I think in the moment I handled it in the right way,” O’Neill told host and former MLB player AJ Pierzynski on the ‘Foul Territory’ podcast following his return to St. Louis. “Obviously, you don’t want to create any division like that. But, you know, it was quite the situation, for sure.”
“I’m happy it’s all behind us, and Oli and I were able to move past it. But, I think at the end of the day, it kind of turned into respect at arm’s length…We ended on good terms out there, so that I’m very thankful for. I have nothing but gratitude and thanks for the city and the organization in St. Louis, but everything comes to an end, and it was my time this time.”
O’Neill’s comments reflect his mature approach to handling past conflicts and his appreciation for his time with the Cardinals. His successful start with the Red Sox demonstrates his resilience and ability to move forward positively, focusing on his current team’s success.