On Tuesday, the Baltimore Orioles finalized a three-year contract with outfielder Tyler O’Neill, which includes a player opt-out after the 2025 season.
The 29-year-old, who was born in Burnaby, B.C., will earn $16.5 million annually for the next three years, with the option to opt out after the 2025 season.
O’Neill had a solid 2024 season with the Boston Red Sox, hitting .241 with 31 home runs and 61 RBIs. It was his first year with Boston after spending his first six MLB seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Notably, O’Neill homered in his first game with the Red Sox, setting a major league record for homering in five consecutive Opening Days.

Capable of playing both corner outfield positions, O’Neill could provide flexibility for the Orioles, especially if they lose switch-hitting power hitter Anthony Santander to free agency. His right-handed bat is also beneficial, as Baltimore already has several left-handed hitters in their lineup, including Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, and Cedric Mullins.
While O’Neill’s power is an asset, his durability is a concern. He was limited to 113 games last season due to leg injuries and a concussion, marking the second-most games played in his career. In 2021, he played 138 games and set career highs in batting average (.286), home runs (34), RBIs (80), and steals (15).
Tyler O’Neill was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year in this year’s Players Choice Awards, presented by the Major League Baseball Players Association. This recognition came after a challenging 2023 season in which he played only 72 games before being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Boston Red Sox.
In his debut game with Boston, O’Neill made an immediate impact by homering on Opening Day, marking his fifth consecutive Opening Day home run, a major league record.
O’Neill also has a strong defensive reputation, having won Gold Gloves in both 2020 and 2021.