Why trading Tyler O’Neill isn’t the best option for the St. Louis Cardinals

Tyler O’Neill has been the subject of drama recently. This is no reason for the St. Louis Cardinals to trade him now, however. 

When St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol publicly criticized outfielder Tyler O’Neill for a perceived lack of hustle, fans around baseball saw it as a sign of discontent. Once the initial spat subsided, Marmol said he wanted to unlock a new level for O’Neill.

While the issue should have been handled behind the scenes, the criticism has created questions about how long the former two-time Gold Glove-winning left fielder will remain with the Cardinals.

Cardinals rumors: Why Tyler O’Neill trade is not a good option for St. Louis

O’Neill made several adjustments to his training regimen in the offseason, now focusing more on running and explosiveness. These changes, plus rainy conditions, were acknowledged by O’Neill as why he could have slowed up while rounding third base. It’s a poor excuse, but it was O’Neill’s mindset.

O’Neill is currently the veteran in the outfield for the Cardinals, even as he has been shifted to play center field. Dylan Carlson, who shifts between left field and center field, was removed from Monday’s game and did not play in Tuesday’s game against the Rockies due to neck spasms. It’s not clear how long he will be sidelined.

Lars Nootbaar, who can play any outfield position, is currently on the injured list with a thumb injury. While he was eligible to be removed from the injured list Monday, it’s not certain how long he will remain on it.

This leaves Alec Burleson and the Cardinals’ top-prospect Jordan Walker patrolling left and right field. Juan Yepez and Brendan Donovan may also be super utility options in the outfield.

The Cardinals need O’Neill’s presence and stability with so much in flux in the outfield.

The Cardinals’ most significant need is starting pitching. O’Neill would be a nice piece to the package that could net the Cardinals a top-tier starting pitcher. But a move like this could also create more problems. While the team may get their pitcher, they would be down a top defender with a big bat.