The Baltimore Orioles have amplified their offense this offseason by signing slugger Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. O’Neill was a breakout player for the Boston Red Sox in 2024. He crushed 31 home runs along with 99 hits, 18 doubles, 61 RBI, a 2.6 WAR, and four stolen bases. O’Neill also provides value through his defense as he has a solid arm as an outfielder. He won two Gold Gloves with the St. Louis Cardinals (2020, 2021).
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, a source tells ESPN. O’Neill, 29, hit 31 home runs with Boston in 2024. Deal is pending physical. On the news: @JonHeyman.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2024
In 2020, O’Neill led all left fielders with nine defensive runs saved. The following season, he demonstrated the same if not better defensive athleticism, winning his second consecutive Gold Glove and leading all left fielders with 12 defensive runs saved. In 2021, O’Neill was the youngest hitter at the age of 26 to record 19+ RBI in an 11-game span since Albert Pujols in 2006. O’Neill is now 29 and looking to not only replicate but improve on his 2024 season numbers.
Orioles Sign Slugger Tyler O’Neill to Three-Year Deal
O’Neill was the catalyst of the Red Sox’s right-handed power surge last season. In September, he became the sixth Canadian-born player in MLB history to record multi-career 30 home run seasons. O’Neill came out of the gate strong in April with an OPS of 1.426. For the past five Opening Day games, O’Neill has hit a home run, which is an MLB record. This makes him a player you want to have in the lineup for Opening Day in 2025.
O’Neill is a valuable asset for several reasons. He offers power hitting, speed on the bases, solid defense, and high potential as an impact player. Overall, this makes him a versatile player when he can remain healthy. O’Neill has been impacted by injuries and also needs to cut down on strikeouts. He struck out 159 times last season. If O’Neill can get through the 2025 season healthy, we’ll get to see if he can sustain the same power that he did in 2024.
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