A Braves-Cardinals trade to end the Tyler O’Neill drama

The St. Louis Cardinals have a Tyler O’Neill-sized problem on their hands. One possible solution is a trade, and the Atlanta Braves could be of service.

When healthy, Tyler O’Neill is one of the best defensive corner outfielders in baseball. He’s not bad with his bat, either, and can help jumpstart the bottom half of a lineup. O’Neill is a valuable commodity, but unfortunately the subject of clubhouse drama at the moment.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol called O’Neill out for what he perceived as a lack of hustle. Despite O’Neill’s pleas, he wasn’t in the lineup on Wednesday.

“There is a standard here. You meet it, you play. You don’t, you don’t,” Marmol said on Wednesday.

Many in the industry have taken O’Neill’s side, especially considering he has a history of leg injuries and hasn’t played a full season in his career. But that may not be enough, as Marmol seems intent on making an example out of him.

Braves could offer Cardinals an out for Tyler O’Neill

Atlanta is well on their way to sweeping the three-game set between these two NL powerhouses. However, corner outfield is a spot of relative weakness for this team, as Marcell Ozuna currently mans the position. Ozuna was electric in 2020, but has since fallen upon hard times, and was arrested twice in two years. His discontent for some Braves fans — specifically those who don’t want him on the team — should be noted as well.

O’Neill would offer an everyday upgrade, and won’t be a free agent until 2025. Here is what a trade might look like.

O’Neill is coming off a down year, but he’s still a Gold Glover in the outfield with a moderate amount of pop. He has good trade value.

Ian Anderson is just a season removed from a top-5 NL Rookie of the Year finish. He’s also coming off a down year, which makes this a worthwhile swap considering St. Louis has a need in the rotation.

Shewmake is among the team’s top-10 prospects, but at 25 years old likely belongs in the majors at shortstop. In St. Louis, he’ll receive some playing time right away. However, he’s blocked by Vaughn Grissom on the Braves organizational depth chart.