5 Cardinals who must improve this off-season

Tyler O’Neill needs to stay healthy and find consistency

Tyler O’Neill’s workout routine is pretty intense. So it’s telling that the organization is working on adjusting his routine to keep him from being so susceptible to injury. After the 2021 season, expectations were high for O’Neill to continue on his path to helping the club through hitting and his Gold Glove in left field.

Fans were mighty disappointed not to get more from O’Neill due to various injuries. He was injured for most of the season, and when he was with the major league club, he struggled to find consistency.

O’Neill planned to stay close to St. Louis for workouts. Yes, this allows the Cardinals to keep a close eye on him, which is excellent. This, combined with work with fellow weight-lifter Holliday, could prove beneficial for the youngster.

Jack Flaherty should benefit from younger coach

Expectations are high for Flaherty. He has been projected as the team’s ace for the past couple of seasons. Going into the 2023 season, the Cardinals are just hoping for the best while still hoping he has ace stuff.

It will be interesting to see what instruction he will receive from the new pitching coach. Flaherty has had issues with the oblique and shoulder, which has led to some significant injury due to possible compensation because of the damage. Blake and Rangel could provide a new perspective to Flaherty that will lead to improvement, confidence, and a resurgence of the pitcher we all hope he will become. After seeing Alex Reyes struggle so mightily for years and ultimately get non-tendered a contract this offseason, we expect the new coaching staff will help keep Flaherty safe and healthy for seasons to come.