MLB rumors: Dodgers back in Ohtani talks, Cardinals ready to cash in, Stroman destination, more
By Josh Wilson
St. Louis Cardinals are getting healthy at perfect time to sell high
Tyler O’Neill has been perpetually injured, it seems like. After appearing in 138 games in 2021, he appeared in 96 in 2022 and 30 so far this season. But with a debut on Thursday, perhaps there’s some optimism that his injury history will finally be behind him, allowing the Cardinals to move him in a trade.
The Cardinals will have to sell possible buyers on the hope that O’Neill can regain his 2021 form where his OPS+ was 148. That might be a tough pitch to make considering his struggles with a 99 last season and a 78 in the games he’s appeared in thus far on top of the injury issues that have prevented him from getting in any sort of groove.
If there’s any hope for the Cardinals, it’s that in addition to pitching, outfielders with strong bats are needed across the league. The Phillies seem to really need something there so they can move Kyle Schwarber to DH (with Bryce Harper making a move to first base). The Yankees could bite on a move like this considering left field has been a massive problem for them all season long.
St. Louis has been winning recently but still stands 10 games out of the lead. Katie Woo of The Athletic recently reminded fans that President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak’s comments indicate there’s probably little chance the recent wins will steer them away from being deadline sellers (subscription required).
Look for O’Neill to be on the move now that he’s back in the lineup, assuming he bats well.
In his first game back on Thursday, he got a double and two walks in four plate appearances.