29-Year-Old Tyler O'Neill Signs Three-Year, $49.5M Deal with Orioles, Includes Opt-Out

Dec 8, 2024, 12:00 AM

Tyler O'Neill, the 29-year-old outfielder who had a notable bounce-back season with the Boston Red Sox in 2024, has signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, pending physical. The deal, first reported by Jon Heyman, includes an opt-out clause after the 2025 season, allowing O'Neill to potentially test free agency again if he performs well. O'Neill's performance in 2024 included 31 home runs and a 131 wRC+, making him a valuable addition to the Orioles' lineup. The contract will see him earn $16.5 million annually. This signing is seen as a move to replace Anthony Santander, whose stats in 2024 were slightly lower than O'Neill's. O'Neill excels at barreling up the ball but has had issues with durability, having played more than 100 games only twice in his seven-year career. He is particularly effective against left-handed pitching, which was a need for Baltimore.