Tyler O’Neill signs three-year deal with Orioles

Tyler O’Neill signs three-year deal with Orioles

Free agent outfielder Tyler O’Neill is staying in the AL East. After experiencing one of the best years of his career with the Boston Red Sox, O’Neill signed a three-year, $49 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan was among the first to report this weekend.

According to Passan, the deal will include an opt-out after the first season.

The St. Louis Cardinals traded O’Neill to Boston last winter in exchange for prospects Nick Roberts, Victor Santos and CJ Chatham. O’Neill followed suit by having one fo the most productive years of his career while also playing over 100 games for the second time in his career.

He slashed .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs–three shy of tying his career high–with 18 doubles, 61 RBIs, 159 strikeouts and 53 walks. When he was in the lineup, he was the premier power bat outside of left-handed slugger Rafael Devers.

When he puts the bat on the ball, it goes far. Being able to consistently make contact has been a struggle of his, however. Though he’s graded in the 97th percentile or better in barrel rate and in the 90th percentile in hard-hit rate in two of his last three seasons, according to Baseball Savant.

If you’re looking for a worthwhile Anthony Santander replacement, this is a good get for Baltimore. We know the Orioles are still looking for pitching, but will they be able to acquire a top-level rotation arm or add to the back of their bullpen? Acquiring a right-handed bat was a priority, but the question remains: What’s next?

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