Entering the regular season, the St. Louis Cardinals envisioned Tyler O’Neill taking the next step. After all, they didn’t sign a veteran outfielder when many analysts thought they should, believing that O’Neill would benefit from extended at-bats.
Boy, were they right. O’Neill, 26, has emerged as a star, hitting .282/.353/.536 with 28 home runs and 66 RBI, and forming a dynamic trio with Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, leaving many to wonder: where would the Cardinals be without O’Neill?
The Cardinals, of course, lead the second National League wild card spot by three games. They have won eight straight games.