3 players who could make or break Cardinals World Series chances

Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill could make or break the team’s WS shot

After a 2022 season that began with a 5-RBI home opener for O’Neill, it was a shock to see him struggle with injuries to his hands, arms, and hamstring muscles for the remainder of the season.

O’Neill struggled mightily and never became that extra impact bat in the lineup to help Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. O’Neill seemed to spend most of the season on the injured list or rehabilitating in Memphis. While he did well with Triple-A Memphis, he couldn’t put it together with the major league club.

O’Neill was said to have been struggling mentally as he had to go to arbitration for his 2022 contract. The 2023 season’s contract is already covered with a $4.95 million deal.

O’Neill made a change to his workout routine that has him working on plyometrics to improve the power in his legs. Known for his power-lifting abilities, he is working on tapering down this effort so he doesn’t overdo his workouts.

Gaining consistency from the slugger and getting O’Neill’s Gold Glove defense back in left field will significantly help this team. Getting the version of O’Neill the team had in 2021 could boost the Cardinals to a World Series championship in 2023.