‘Neill, a two-time Gold Glover, has played all three outfield positions but has spent the bulk of his time in left. He joins a Red Sox team that traded outfielder Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees earlier this week.
O’Neill is in his final season of arbitration eligibility and could become a free agent after the 2024 season. He is projected to earn a salary of $5.5 million.
Robertson appeared in 18 games for the Red Sox and Dodgers last season, with a 0-1 record and a 6.04 ERA. Santos, who missed all of 2023 with a right elbow injury, has a 23-48 record and a 5.21 ERA in seven seasons with the Tigers, Rockies, Rangers, Brewers, Pirates, Reds and Orioles. The Cardinals said he will be assigned to the minor leagues.
“As we look to add pitching depth, as well as address concerns on potential playing time in the outfield, we felt this deal worked well in addressing both of those issues,” Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said in a statement. “We are excited to add Nick to our bullpen, and we feel Victor gives us added depth in our minor league system.”
St. Louis sent Tyler O’Neil to the Sox and received right-hand pitchers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos in exchange. The two RHP’s are sure to bolster the Cardinals’ bullpen depth. At the same time, the team has eyes on other players as MLB Free Agency heats up.
The Cardinals are reportedly interested in Phil Maton of the reigning champion Houston Astros. In addition, the team is eying Yuki Matsui of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and Jordan Hicks of the Toronto Blue Jays.
