The Cardinals Have Big Plans For Tyler O’Neill This Spring

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering the 2023 season with plenty of question marks surrounding them.

But it’s not for a lack of depth.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Their depth makes it possible for several potential position battles, especially in the outfield.

Tyler O’Neill is prepared to bounce back after injuries derailed his 2022 season.

Though he is projected to be the starting left fielder, St. Louis may have something else in mind.

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, O’Neill was taking reps at center field on Monday.

Woo says that manager Oliver Marmol wants the slugger to compete with Dylan Carlson for the starting center field job.

Yesterday Tyler O’Neill was grouped with the CFers in fielding drills such as pop-up priority. That was no accident. O’Neill is competing alongside Dylan Carlson for the starting CF role this job, Oli Marmol says. #STLCards

— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 21, 2023

As things stand now, the Cardinals outfield is projected to have O’Neill, Carlson, and Lars Nootbaar from left field to right field.

But there could be a chance for some competition.

St. Louis also has Juan Yepez, Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker, Moises Gomez, Oscar Mercado, and others that are competing for jobs.

Beyond that, shortstop Tommy Edman and second baseman Brendan Donovan can also play in the outfield, which could open up a spot for Paul DeJong to reclaim the starting shortstop job if he has a strong spring.

It could even clear a path for Nolan Gorman to secure an everyday role.

Another addition is also not completely out of the question for St. Louis.

There certainly is no shortage of depth for the Cardinals.

O’Neill in center field would be an interesting look and could open the door for other stars to potentially shine.