MLB teams looking to add depth to their lineup this offseason should target the two-time Gold Glove winner and free agent Tyler O’Neill. The Canadian outfielder had an eventful 2024 season recording 31 home runs, 61 RBIs, four stolen bases, and 99 hits. O’Neill is a clean-up hitter who has proven to be effective when he’s healthy.
The 29-year-old has plenty to offer to any team, as he is a defensive gem who can also provide power. In his career, he has batted .246 with an OBP of .333 and an OPS+ of 116. When playing his best, O’Neill has proven to be productive. He has a solid arm, plenty of pop in his bat, and a good deal of speed. The former St. Louis Cardinal was acquired by the Boston Red Sox on December 8th, 2023.
Super interested to see where Tyler O’Neill lands this winter.
Durability is always the concern, but when he’s healthy dude is a BALLER.
Contenders looking to deepen their lineup should be all over him. pic.twitter.com/6u05srgP5c
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) November 11, 2024
Red Sox Outfielder Tyler O’Neill Will Be Solid Commodity as Free Agent
Potential New Homes For O’Neill
Toronto Blue Jays
O’Neill is a right-handed power bat who would certainly be a great help to the Blue Jays. Toronto’s necessity for veteran free agents is at the top of the list this offseason. Especially with the unknown return date of 2024 Gold Glove winner Daulton Varsho, having another clutch outfielder would supplement an offense that needs a boost from last year. The Blue Jays need sluggers, and O’Neill would fit in well offensively alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Guerrero Jr. earned his second Silver Slugger award of his career on Tuesday evening, adding an accolade to his excellent season. O’Neill was one of Boston’s most consistent hitters in 2024, all the more reason to make him a top priority of veterans to add this offseason.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels could use O’Neill if they decide to position Mike Trout as a corner outfielder as well as designated hitter. They have plenty of work to do this offseason, including rebuilding their bullpen. The Angels struggled with scoring runs this season, with an average of 3.92 runs scored per game in 2024. This is even less than the Blue Jays, who averaged 4.14. The Angels already got the ball rolling this offseason by signing Travis d’Arnaud to a two-year $12 million deal.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants need to acquire a designated hitter and part-time outfielder, and O’Neill fits the bill for both. MLB Insider Jeff Passan believes that O’Neill would be a suitable fit for the Giants because of his effectiveness against left-handed pitchers. In Passan’s predictions piece for this offseason, he mentioned, ”In 156 plate appearances against lefties, O’Neill hit 16 home runs and slashed .313/.429/.750 with the highest slugging percentage in MLB. The Red Sox would like to bring him back, and he would fit with the Giants and Tigers as well.”
Photo Credit: © David Butler II-Imagn Images
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