Following Alex Verdugo’s trade to the New York Yankees earlier in the week, the Boston Red Sox acquired St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill on Friday, swapping RHPs Nick Robertson and Victor Santos for O’Neill.
With their inability to acquire an outfielder and O’Neill’s chronic injury issues, the Cardinals made it obvious that they were looking for an alternative place for him to play. With a new beginning in Boston, the Canadians should have no trouble playing every day. The Red Sox have done their best, but it’s difficult to replace someone like Verdugo.
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For this deal, let’s examine a few trade grades.
Red Sox: B
O’Neill slashed 286 with 34 home runs and 80 RBI in 138 games played, placing him in the top 10 of the NL MVP vote in 2021. He has, however, had difficulty maintaining his fitness ever since, appearing in 168 games during the previous two seasons. That surely played a part in St. Louis’ decision to let go of the slugger. In addition, he has only hit 23 long balls in 2022–2023.
That being said, O’Neill was a top prospect for the Mariners prior to joining the Cards, and when he was on the field, he occasionally had flashes of greatness. In addition to his strength, O’Neill is a two-time Gold Glove winner and an excellent outfielder with a good arm. Playing in any three of the outfield spots, giving the Red Sox some versatility.
Craig Breslow is specifically seeking for a right-handed batter who can play center field, and O’Neill fits the bill. In 40 games, he has already played this part.
The short porch of left field, known as the Green Monster, should complement the former third-round pick’s power even if he does strike out a lot at Fenway.
O’Neill might find it challenging to stay out of the IL. The Red Sox would be saddened if that came to pass. But it’s not like they gave up a couple of top arms to get him. Furthermore, O’Neill will only owe $5.5 million in 2024 and be a free agent the following season.
If things don’t work out in the free market, they can always let him go.
Overall, the Red Sox have benefited from this decision. The team also includes Nick Pivetta, a British Columbia-born Canadian player for O’Neill.
Cardinals: B-
His strikeout rate is solid, but there’s no assurance the Cardinals will even use him in their plans for the upcoming campaign. Robertson might end up serving as their bullpen arm in the future. There is never a shortage of relievers.
Santos has never been a high prospect, but between Double-A and Triple-A last season, he posted a reasonable 4.97 ERA. However, the 23-year-old does frequently strike out and is a viable alternative in the future during the latter part of the St. Louis rotation. In any case, Santos is now dominating hitters while pitching in the Dominican Winter League, with a 2.96 ERA through 27.1 innings pitched.
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