Red Sox go bargain shopping by acquiring injury plagued outfielder Tyler O’Neill from the Cardinals just two years after he finished eighth in the NL MVP voting

The Boston Red Sox are apparently going on a bargain hunt to keep up with the rival New York Yankees' blockbuster trade for Juan Soto.

The Red Sox acquired outfielder Tyler O'Neill from the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, bringing in a two-time Gold Glove winner to replace the departing Alex Verdugo, who was recently dealt to the Bronx.

St. Louis received right-handers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos in return.

O'Neill finished eighth in the 2021 NL MVP voting, hitting .286 with 34 home runs and 80 RBIs. But he hasn't come close to that production since (or before) with a .248 average and 78 home runs in his six-year career.

O'Neill is in his final season of arbitration eligibility and could become a free agent after the 2024 season. He is expected to earn a salary of $5.5 million.

O'Neill finished eighth in the 2021 NL MVP voting, hitting .286 with 34 home runs

O'Neill, an outfielder, won two Gold Gloves during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals

Robertson played in 18 games for the Red Sox and Dodgers last season, with an 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 and address concerns about potential playing time in the outfield, we felt this deal worked well in addressing both issues,” Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said in a statement.

“We are excited to add Nick to our bullpen, and we believe Victor provides us with additional depth in our minor league system.”

Boston traded Verdugo to the Yankees on Tuesday for right-handers Greg Weissert, Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice.