Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 home runs for the Red Sox in 2024, has signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent, according to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. O’Neill had an impressive season with a .511 slugging percentage and an .847 OPS in 113 games.
The Red Sox had some interest in keeping O’Neill, but he ultimately decided to join an AL East rival. With O’Neill’s departure, the Red Sox will need to find a way to replace his right-handed production, either through a trade or free agency. The team’s lineup is already left-handed heavy, struggling against left-handed starters and ranking 12th in slugging against lefties in 2024.
Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow emphasized the importance of finding a player who can provide similar production in the middle of the lineup. O’Neill was acquired by the Red Sox from the Cardinals in a trade last December and played primarily in the outfield for the team.
Breslow also highlighted the need for better production from existing right-handed hitters on the Red Sox roster. As the team moves forward without O’Neill, they will be looking to address this issue and strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.
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