Tyler O’Neill Joins Orioles: A Game-Changing Move for Baltimore
Big news is shaking up the MLB offseason! Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract, according to a source who spoke with ESPN. This deal fills a major gap in the Orioles’ lineup after the departure of slugging outfielder Anthony Santander to free agency.
O’Neill, who will have an opt-out clause after the first year of the deal, is coming off a bounceback season with the Boston Red Sox. His performance earned him the biggest payday for an outfielder this winter. While his contract will soon be overshadowed by the inevitable mega-deal for Juan Soto, the 29-year-old O’Neill brings a much-needed right-handed bat to a Baltimore lineup that leans heavily on left-handed hitters.
O’Neill’s Power Against Lefties: A Perfect Fit for Camden Yards
O’Neill’s ability to crush left-handed pitching is a key reason why the Orioles made this move. This past season, he hit 16 of his 31 home runs against lefties, despite having fewer plate appearances against them. His slash line against left-handers was an eye-popping .313/.430/.750 in 156 plate appearances. With the left-field fences at Camden Yards set to be moved in, O’Neill’s power could become even more of a weapon in Baltimore’s already potent lineup.
He joins a young and exciting core that includes Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, and Cedric Mullins. Together, they form one of the most exciting lineups in the league, and O’Neill’s addition only raises the ceiling for this team.
O’Neill’s Journey: From St. Louis to Baltimore
O’Neill spent the first six seasons of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to Boston last winter. In his lone season with the Red Sox, he hit .241/.336/.511 with 61 RBIs in 113 games. It was his most productive season since his breakout 2021 campaign, when he finished eighth in National League MVP voting and won his second consecutive Gold Glove in left field.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for O’Neill, but when healthy, he has proven to be one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. His career OPS is 182 points higher against left-handed pitching, making him a perfect fit for a Baltimore team that thrives on exploiting platoon splits. The Orioles saw similar success this past season with Ryan O’Hearn, a left-handed hitter who excelled against right-handed pitching.
What’s Next for the Orioles?
While the addition of O’Neill is a big win for Baltimore, the team isn’t done making moves this offseason. The Orioles are actively pursuing starting pitching to bolster their rotation, which already includes Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer. Baltimore ace Corbin Burnes, who delivered a stellar eight-inning performance during the Orioles’ wild card series loss to Kansas City, is now a free agent. Burnes is expected to command a contract worth over $200 million, and it remains to be seen if Baltimore will make a play for him or another top-tier arm.
O’Neill Joins a Crowded Free Agent Class
O’Neill’s signing is one of many intriguing storylines in a deep free agent class of corner outfielders. The group includes big names like Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, Joc Pederson, Max Kepler, Michael Conforto, and Alex Verdugo. However, none of them can match O’Neill’s dominance against left-handed pitching, which makes him a unique and valuable addition to the Orioles’ roster.
With O’Neill in the fold and more moves likely on the horizon, the Orioles are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the American League. Baltimore fans, get ready—this team is gearing up for something special.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
