Tyler O’Neill 2.0? How Phillies’ Decision Opened New Door For Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox hope their top outfield addition this winter is Juan Soto.

While we wait to see how that pursuit goes, the Red Sox would be wise to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to balance the lineup this winter. Teoscar Hernández would be an ideal fit, though there are backup options if that pursuit were to also fall short.

The Philadelphia Phillies non-tendered Austin Hays after they acquired the outfielder in a deadline deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Hays fits an athletic, right-handed profile that would benefit the Red Sox.

The move would be similar to when the Red Sox traded for Tyler O’Neill from the St. Louis Cardinals where a change of scenery could bring out the best in the player. With that said, distinctions between O’Neill and Hays need to be emphasized.

Both players have dealt with injuries, and O’Neill has significantly more power than Hays. With that said Hays, in his current state, is likely more durable defensively than O’Neill. He could also find some more power by playing half of his games at Fenway Park with the Green Monster to aim at. Hays hit 22 home runs in 2021 during the first of three straight seasons playing 130 or more games.

Soto and Hernández should be the outfield priorities for Soto, though Hays may be worthy of a look in some regard later this winter.