St. Louis Cardinals: Looking at the trade for Tyler O’Neill

Two days ago, it had been a year since the St. Louis Cardinals struck a deal with the Seattle Mariners.

In this deal, Tyler O’Neill became a part of the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Marco Gonzales. This is a trade that could be very beneficial to the Redbirds, considering O’Neill is their number two prospect according to MLB Pipeline.

The big ticket tool for O’Neill is his power. That was on display yesterday, when the outfielder recorded a three home run game while playing with Memphis.

Mariners Take

In 2018, Gonzales is pitching very well for the Mariners. He has started 20 games with an 11-5 record. According to Fangraphs, he has accumulated a 2.5 WAR this season, with an impressively low BB/9 of 1.73.

The 26 year old righty this is having a great bounce back year after struggling with Seattle last season. He recorded an ERA over five. For several years, dating back to 2014, Gonzales would get some spot starts for the St. Louis Cardinals.

He encountered some injuries while with St. Louis. That includes undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, during his first full season in Seattle, things are going well.

St. Louis Cardinals Take

As stated, O’Neill has a lot of potential. With a bat in his hands, there is a lot that can happen. His power grade is 60 according to MLB Pipeline, and he is rated number 50 in all of the MLB. He has gotten exactly 44 at bats in the majors so far, and smacked three homers. That compares to the 23 while playing for Memphis.

The highlight of his minors career, of course, is his three bomb game. Two of the three were solo shots, as he ended his day with four RBIs. Regardless, it is an impressive day at the office.

There is a lot of potential with O’Neill, but a crowded St. Louis Cardinals outfield makes it hard to find room for him. At 23 years old there is still plenty of time for him to make a name for himself, he just needs to break through.

Next: The Magic Salsa

It is not possible to know who won the trade just a year after. However, as of right now, both sides are seem like they will get a solid take from the deal. More will be known when the St. Louis Cardinals half can see consistent playing time at the MLB level.