The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Tyler O’Neill from the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, securing a two-time Gold Glove winner to fill the void left by the departure of Alex Verdugo.
In exchange, St. Louis received right-handers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos.
O’Neill, who finished eighth in the NL MVP voting in 2021, boasted a .286 batting average, 34 homers, and 80 RBIs during that season. However, his performance has declined since then, with a .248 average and 78 homers over his six-year career.
Approaching the end of his arbitration eligibility, O’Neill is slated to become a free agent after the 2024 season and is projected to earn a $5.5 million salary.
Robertson, having appeared in 18 games for the Red Sox and Dodgers last season, recorded a 0-1 record and a 6.04 ERA. Meanwhile, Santos, who missed the entirety of 2023 due to a right elbow injury, holds a 23-48 record and a 5.21 ERA in seven seasons spanning the Tigers, Rockies, Rangers, Brewers, Pirates, Reds, and Orioles. The Cardinals announced his assignment to the minor leagues.
On Tuesday, Boston traded Verdugo to the New York Yankees for right-handers Greg Weissert, Richard Fitts, and Nicholas Judice.
