As the Baltimore Orioles prepare for the upcoming MLB season, their offseason wish list is filled with potential moves aimed at strengthening their roster. One player that has emerged as a prime target is St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill. Known for his power at the plate and strong arm in the outfield, O’Neill could provide a significant upgrade to Baltimore’s outfield depth and solidify their roster for another playoff run.

 

Power Bat for the Orioles

 

O’Neill, who made his major league debut with the Cardinals in 2017, has consistently shown flashes of power throughout his career. Over the past few seasons, he has established himself as a threat in the middle of the order, hitting 34 home runs in 2021, a career-high. His ability to hit for power, particularly against right-handed pitchers, would be a welcome addition to the Orioles’ lineup, which could use more consistency and punch in the outfield.

 

Although his 2023 season was marred by injuries, O’Neill has proven in the past that when healthy, he can be a game-changer. The 28-year-old has posted impressive slugging percentages and OPS marks in his career, and his power potential fits perfectly into the Orioles’ offensive philosophy. Baltimore has been successful in recent years by blending power with an aggressive, young core, and adding O’Neill would give them even more flexibility when it comes to offensive production.

 

Defensive Upgrade

 

O’Neill isn’t just known for his bat. He also provides significant value defensively. Over his career, the Canadian outfielder has been recognized for his above-average arm strength and ability to cover ground in left and right field. This would be particularly valuable for a team like the Orioles, who, while strong offensively, have occasionally had some question marks in their outfield defense. With O’Neill’s experience and skillset, Baltimore could have more confidence in their outfield defense, especially in late-game situations when a reliable defensive player is crucial.

 

Additionally, O’Neill’s versatility allows the Orioles to be creative with their lineup and defensive alignments. Whether he plays a full-time role or is used in a platoon situation, O’Neill offers flexibility that would benefit a team looking to balance a competitive roster with future growth. His presence could also allow manager Brandon Hyde to rotate players, keeping them fresh throughout the long MLB season while maintaining high-level defense.

 

The Trade Scenario

 

While the Orioles have a solid farm system and a good mix of young talent, acquiring O’Neill would likely require parting with some of their prospects or a young player from the major league roster. The Cardinals, who are in a period of transition, could be looking to offload some veteran players like O’Neill, especially given his injury history and the increasing competition for outfield spots in St. Louis. The Orioles would need to balance the potential cost of acquiring O’Neill against the immediate need for outfield depth and power.

 

This trade would be a classic case of the Orioles aiming to capitalize on their promising window of contention, adding a proven power bat to complement their already dangerous lineup. It would also show the team’s commitment to making a deep postseason push and improving in areas where they have room for growth. Given the Cardinals’ potential need to retool and the Orioles’ strong prospects, a deal could be mutually beneficial.

 

Conclusion

 

Tyler O’Neill would represent an exciting addition to the Baltimore Orioles’ offseason plans. A powerful bat and solid defender, O’Neill could help fill an important hole in the Orioles’ outfield while also adding more depth to their roster. If the two teams can come to terms on a trade, O’Neill could be a major piece in what looks to be an exciting future for the Baltimore Orioles, especially as they look to build on the success of recent seasons and compete for a World Series title.