7 pleasant surprises for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021

ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 12: Members of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 at Busch Stadium on September 12, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 12: Members of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 at Busch Stadium on September 12, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) /
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ST LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 18: Tyler O’Neill #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals receives a curtain call after hitting a go-ahead two run home run during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on September 18, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 18: Tyler O’Neill #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals receives a curtain call after hitting a go-ahead two run home run during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on September 18, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images) /

Tyler O’Neill

Speaking of Gold Gloves, Tyler O’Neill is on his way two a second consecutive Gold Glove for his award case this season.

Going into this season, it wasn’t clear if O’Neill would be the primary player in left field. But as spring training played out and the season began, it is clear O’Neill is the left fielder for the Cardinals. And will be for some time.

With a few exceptions, O’Neill has been healthy this season. This has allowed him to get consistent playing time and show his worth. He is hitting .281/.350/.536 with a +138 OPS. The kid can hit. O’Neill has 28 home runs, 23 doubles and a triple. He’s walked 35 times and has 12 stolen base.

In his last seven games, O’Neill is hitting .357/.400/.714 with 10 hits, eight runs, two walks, three home runs and nine RBI with one stolen base.

Much like Bader, O’Neill has made some spectacular defensive plays this season. The play at Chavez Ravine to nab a potential walk-off home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers early in the season comes to mind as do the diving plays and every day catches.

He is incredibly fun to watch play baseball. I’m glad he’s our Bro!