Kansas City Royals: Offseason trade targets from NL Central

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Tyler O’Neill #41 of the St Louis Cardinals (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

The Kansas City Royals are in the position to explore the offseason trade market to address roster needs. In this five-part series, I explore possible trades with teams in the AL East, AL West, NL East, NL Central, and NL West.

Once the 2019 MLB playoffs are officially over, the Kansas City Royals will embark upon one of their busiest offseasons in recent memory. Since trades rarely happen within the same division, I will omit any possible trades with the AL Central in these series of posts.

Here are several links highlighting several offseason changes and moves the team should make:

Storylines to follow

Upcoming big changes in organization

Trades that need to happen

Trading Whit Merrifield

Signing Blake Treinen

Free Agency plan

Prospects ready for 2020 action

NL Central Trade Targets

St. Louis Cardinals

Tyler O’Neill, Outfielder

Tyler O’Neill, the 24-year-old outfielder, struggled to stay healthy and find consistent playing time on the Cardinals roster during the 2019 season.

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O’Neill still managed to displayed excellent power numbers hitting 18 home runs between stops at AA, AAA, and MLB. Most of O’Neill’s appearances in 2019 came as a pinch hitter.

I’ve closely watched O’Neill’s performances since 2016 when I watched him play for the Jackson Generals (Mariners AA affiliate in TN). O’Neill has a track record starting each new level off slowly, then when he gets comfortable, his talent is on full display.

In 2018, O’Neill tore it up at AAA Memphis, hitting .311/.385/.693 with 26 home runs, earning him a call-up to the Cardinals where he hit nine bombs in 61 games. O’Neill possesses some of the most impressive raw power in the game, but struggles at times to make consistent contact (+35% K rate in MLB).

When he’s had time to play consistently and adjust to the pitching he’s faced, he brings his contact rate up and his K% sits around 26%. O’Neill could hit 30+ home runs per year and hit around a .250 average if given playing time to develop. His defense and arm are about average and would limit him to left field duties. He has some speed and is capable of stealing 8-10 bases per year.

The Cardinals have some decisions to make for the outfield this offseason and O’Neill may be the odd man out. Marcell Ozuna will be a free agent and the Cardinals may make him a qualifying offer (might accept).

The Cardinals also have several other outfield prospects knocking on the door (Dylan Carlson and Randy Arozarena) and they may opt to trade Tyler O’Neill to shore up their late inning bullpen for another playoff run in 2020.

Possible trade offer: Ian Kennedy RHP (+50% salary retention) or Josh Staumont RHP

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