Slugging outfielder Tyler O'Neill has been the subject of dozens of trade rumors for the Boston Red Sox.
Boston has mashed its way up the American League East in recent series and its trade deadline strategy seems up in the air. O'Neill has been part of the Sox's recent success — he's batting .320/.414/.800 with three homers in his last seven games.
The 29-year-old is on a one-year deal with Boston, though, and as it ticks toward its expiration, the Red Sox will need to choose his fate. If they opt to trade the slugger, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller proposed a familiar destination for him.
Miller predicts that the Red Sox may become "half-hearted buyers" before the July 30 deadline, so O'Neill may stick around. If not, the St. Louis Cardinals, his former club of six years, need an outfielder.
Red Sox's Tyler O'Neill could be a fit with the Cardinals. his former club, at the trade deadline
After battling injuries, Tyler O’Neill is healthy and producing for the Red Sox https://t.co/iDeqU0YmZe
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) June 24, 2024
The Cardinals have turned their season around, in a bigger way than the Red Sox have. In mid-May, they were in last place in their division, and unimpressive offense seemed to be one of their key issues. O'Neill began his season on a tear for Boston, to the point that St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak joked about his team's tendency to trade outfielders at the wrong time.
Recently, the Cards' stars have turned their fortunes around at the plate, and they've surged into second place in the National League Central. They could use another powerful outfield bat, but their outfield core is quite young and most have years of team control remaining on their contracts. It wouldn't make sense for St. Louis to fight for a player with multiple years remaining on their deal, like Luis Robert Jr.
O'Neill is posting his best season since he hit 34 home runs in 2021 — maybe the change of scenery is serving him well. But if the Cardinals would be interested in a reunion, his .261/.357/.538 slash line, .894 OPS and 15 long balls could give his former team the boost they need to make a run for first place in the NL Central.
O'Neill and Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol clashed in the past, so his old squad may not be itching to bring him back. But if St. Louis needs a rental slugger and Boston decides to sell, a reunion may be a good option for the Redbirds.