Former Red Sox Slugger Activated By Orioles

Entering last offseason, Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow knew that Major League Baseball’s top prospect, Roman Anthony, was close to making his big league debut. And with an already crowded outfield mix creating a logjam on the team’s 26-man roster, a sacrifice would need to be made to make it all work during the 2025 season.

That sacrifice became a reality when power-hitting outfielder Tyler O’Neil signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles in December. Despite being sidelined with injuries at times throughout the 2024 season, O’Neil’s combination of power and defense made him a fan favorite during his only season in Boston.

That being said, O’Neil’s first season in Baltimore has been marred by more injuries. Activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday, neck and shoulder issues have limited the slugger to 25 games this year. In 83 at-bats, he’s batting only .193 with 16 hits, two home runs, and 10 RBI for an under-performing Orioles team that is likely to sell at the trade deadline later this month.

When healthy last season, O’Neil’s right-handed power was a legitimate threat in the middle of the Red Sox’s batting order. In 113 games, he hit .241 with 31 home runs and 61 RBI and contributed Gold Glove caliber defense in Fenway Park’s tricky outfield.

The Red Sox will play the Orioles in a two-game series on August 18 and 19 at Fenway Park. With a handful of Orioles players rumored to be available on the trade market, including All-Star first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, Baltimore’s lineup is likely to look very different when the teams meet again next month.