Tyler O’Neill heading to rival Orioles in free agency on $49.5 million contract

O'Neill had an impressive campaign this year, recording 31 home runs and a 132 OPS+.

Tyler O’Neill is reportedly leaving the Red Sox for the rival Orioles in free agency. The Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the outfielder will stay in the American League East but move to Baltimore to join the Orioles.

Orioles just swapping Anthony Santander for Tyler O’Neill

As per the report, Tyler O’Neill has signed a three-year agreement worth $49.5 million. The deal does include an opt-out after the first season. The Red Sox slugger could be a potential replacement for fellow free agent Anthony Santander.

Orioles, OF Tyler O'Neill agree to 3-year deal with an opt-out after 2025, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/3DzoHyzDY1
— MLB (@MLB) December 8, 2024

O’Neill had an impressive campaign this year, recording 31 home runs and a 132 OPS+. He was a steal last season for Craig Breslow, and O’Neill hit .241 and guided the team with 31 home runs. The outfielder finished his stint in Boston as one of the best power bats for the franchise.

Also Read: Luis Severino explains decision to join young, ‘hungry’ Athletics in free agency

O’Neil had a tough stint in 2022 and 2023 before a trade to the Red Sox last season. He has hit .246/.322/.469 with 109 home runs and 278 RBIs over seven seasons in the big leagues. He can play all three outfield positions, and the Orioles would be delighted with this move.

Red Sox to go with either Juan Soto or Teoscar Hernandez!

Yankees among teams in "competition" for outfielder Teoscar Hernandez as potential Juan Soto consolation prize https://t.co/7k0xfcjK1N pic.twitter.com/eSX5sdCq7P
— SNY (@SNYtv) December 8, 2024

Meanwhile, O’Neill’s absence will hurt the Red Sox in right field, and free agent Juan Soto could be the potential name to take charge. The Yankees star will surely get a huge bid from the Red Sox in the offseason. The Red Sox’s other top fallback option is Teoscar Hernandez, but the Dodgers star will be difficult to pry from L.A.

On the other hand, O’Neill’s consistency will be a key factor for Baltimore due to his injury numbers. It’s important to see how they utilise him in the roaster. The Orioles are coming off a great season with a 91-71 record, placing second in the American League East.

American League East

Juan Soto

MLB

Orioles Baltimore

Red Sox

Tyler O’Neill

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.