3 Slumping Hitters Who Could Turn Things Around with a Trade to the Tampa Bay Rays

Target #2: Tyler O'Neill

The Rays have a thing for former Cardinal outfielders (see Randy Arozarena and Jose Martinez), and would be wise to buy low on the five-tool outfielder Tyler O'Neill of the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 2021, O'Neill's first full big league season, the Cardinals slugger was an absolute menace, finishing with a .912 OPS that was shown off by his power and speed combo that resulted in 26 doubles and 34 including 11 bombs during the Cardinals' historic stretch during the month of September.

Need life in your lineup? O'Neill was your guy last season, finishing 8th in MVP while collecting his second career Gold Glove. Unfortunately, O'Neill has looked lost so far in 2022.

In the 32 games played before landing on the IL with a shoulder injury, O'Neill's OPS dropped off to .552, and struck out 42 times in 133 PA. O'Neill is set to make his return to the Cardinals lineup in the first game of their series with the Rays, but it remains to be seen if he'll stick in their lineup.

The Cardinals and O'Neill have gone through a lengthy arbitration process since the offseason, and the newcomers Juan Yepez and Brendan Donovan have been producing in his absence. If O'Neill does not bounce back quickly, the Cardinals may be willing to part ways for the right price, meaning the Rays could snag one of the most exciting players in baseball for their lineup