Would the Cardinals trade Tyler O’Neill to a division rival?

While seemingly unlikely given the two teams are in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers reportedly see something in Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill.

Tyler O’Neill’s trade value has rarely been lower.

Early this season, O’Neill was criticized for what Oli Marmol perceived as a lack of hustle. A few weeks later, he hurt his back, and has since struggled to get much consistent playing time.

Still, O’Neill is a former Gold Glove outfielder and has a capable bat when at his best. The Cards have a surplus in the outfield, making him a likely trade target should St. Louis decide to sell. While this season has gone poorly for the Cardinals, it would appear the current front office comprised of John Mozeliak and like-minded thinkers believes in the current core to bounce back in 2024. Adding some pitching, for example, would help matters.

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray hinted that Milwaukee has previously held O’Neill in high regard on the latest episode of The Baseball Insiders.

"“One team that I’ve heard, and I’ve said on the podcast before that likes O’Neill is the Brewers,” said Murray. “Don’t necessarily know the likelihood there because that’s an in-division trade, of course.”"

 MLB Rumors: What a Cardinals-Brewers trade for Tyler O’Neill would look like

The most likely scenario, of course, is that O’Neill is dealt outside the NL Central, if at all. So let me start there.

But what if the two sides were so inclined? Here’s what I’m thinking.

Tyler O’Neill has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons, and for that reason, Milwaukee can probably get him at a discounted rate. However, St. Louis will still look for high-upside players at positions of need.

Uribe can reach triple-digits at his best, and projects more as a relief pitcher. He struggles to find the strike zone at times, but can mix in an upper-80’s slider which should make him nasty at the MLB level. He’s a project.

Wood is still a year or two away, most likely, but the former Penn State catcher is stable behind the plate and can provide a decent enough bat to warrant the backup catcher job.

O’Neill plays great defense and should have less pressure on him with the Brewers, who routinely find diamonds in the rough.