Red Sox’s Tyler O’Neill Takes Firm Stance On Upcoming Free Agency
Tyler O'Neill, when on the field, slugged his way to a productive season for the Boston Red Sox.
He added a veteran presence to the lineup and the clubhouse as Boston molded a team with plenty of young talent. O'Neill needed just 101 games to hit 30 home runs for the Red Sox in 2024. He can still pass his career high with 34 long balls with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021. It's added to a pattern: when O'Neill is healthy, he hits and does so with plenty of power.
The Red Sox acquired O'Neill last offseason with one year remaining on his contract. With the season coming to a close, the 29-year-old has uncertainty as he enters free agency. What he did make clear is a reunion would the Red Sox would be in his interests.
"I really hope Boston (takes) interest in me," O'Neill told NESN's Jahmai Webster on Wednesday. "Like I said, it's been an awesome year. I've made a lot of good friendships, good relationships here. Really enjoyed the city. The weather, even this time of year. It's been great. Boston has definitely been one of my favorite places to play. I've said that even as a visiting ballplayer coming into Fenway Park."
Boston will need right-handed power next season with veteran status, which O'Neill would provide should he return. The Red Sox do, however, have outfield decisions to make, especially with baseball's top prospect likely on the way.