With both Team Canada and the Dominican Republic eliminated from the World Baseball Classic, the St. Louis Cardinals are receiving some reinforcements at spring training.
The team had 17 players away from camp competing in the WBC and still have players such as Lars Nootbaar, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Giovanny Gallegos, Miles Mikolas and Adam Wainwright who aren’t currently with the team.
Tyler O’Neill and Genesis Cabrera have returned to Cardinals camp after experiencing the WBC.
Upon his return, O’Neill was asked about his experience in the Classic and stated that he was proud to represent his native Canada, but that he was ultimately disappointed that they did not advance further.
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill (Canada) & LHP Genesis Cabrera (Dominican Republic) are back in camp with the #STLCards after competing in the WBC.
O’Neill called his experience “bittersweet;” he was so proud playing for Canada, but heartbroken that his home country didn’t advance.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) March 17, 2023
O’Neill called his experience “bittersweet.”
He certainly put on a show in the Classic this spring and was locked in at the plate, which ultimately is a good sign for the Cardinals, who are hoping he returns to his 2021 form and gives their already powerful lineup a boost.
As of now, he is set to claim the starting left field job for the Cardinals.
Fortunately, it appears that O’Neill thoroughly enjoyed playing for Team Canada in the WBC and would welcome the opportunity to do it again when the Classic returns in 2026.
Still, he did not accomplish what he was hoping to, as Canada didn’t even make it to the quarterfinals.
O’Neill is attempting to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2022 season and give the Cardinals a little extra power in their starting lineup in 2023.
If the Classic was any indication, then the Cardinals should be in good shape offensively for the upcoming season.
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