The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a three-year contract worth $49.5 million US with outfielder Tyler O’Neill, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.
O’Neill, who was born in Burnaby, B.C., is set to make $16.5 million in each of the next three seasons. He can opt out after 2025.
The 29-year-old hit .241 with 31 homers and 61 runs batted in last season for Boston. It was his first year with the Red Sox after spending his first six big league campaigns with St. Louis.
O’Neill can play both corner outfield spots, which could be crucial if the Orioles lose switch-hitting slugger Anthony Santander in free agency. It’s also helpful O’Neill bats from the right side. Baltimore star Gunnar Henderson bats left-handed, and so do Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad and Cedric Mullins.
O’Neill’s power is an asset, but his durability is a concern. Leg problems and a concussion limited him to 113 games last season, the second-most of his career. He played 138 in 2021, when he set career highs in batting average (.286), homers (34), RBI (80) and steals (15).
He received comeback player of the year honours in the American League this year in the annual Players Choice Awards from the Major League Baseball Players Association. He had played only 72 games in 2023 and the Cardinals traded him to the Red Sox.
In his first game with Boston, O’Neill homered on his fifth straight opening day, a major league record.
O’Neill won Gold Gloves in 2020 and 2021.