"Boston was caught up in Juan Soto sweepstakes" - Tyler O'Neill 'surprised' by Red Sox's 'lack of interest' in pursuing him in free agency

The Boston Red Sox didn't make a push for corner outfielder Tyler O'Neill in the offseason after he returned 31 home runs for the team in 113 games last season. The Red Sox management's heads were preoccupied with the Juan Soto free agency which eventually bore no fruit for them.

As per Tyler O'Neill speaking on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast on Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox never played their cards for him. There was some initial contact by the team but no follow-up. Quite understandably, O'Neill sealed a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, who made him a priority, signing a three-year $49.5 million contract.

"Obviously, Boston was caught up in the Soto sweepstakes, and rightfully so. They should be in that market. They should be in the ballpark in spending that kind of money on those types of guys who are generational players."

"I think they should be in that conversation. But when I'm getting prioritized interest on the other side with a really good opportunity, there's nothing for me to wait around on. I was surprised in the lack of interest," O'Neill said.

In hindsight, a bid for O'Neill would cost a lot less than what they offered for Juan Soto. Boston reportedly offered $700 million in his sweepstakes and yet wasn't even close to the top bids. Their rivals Yankees, reportedly placing a $760 million bid were edged out by the New York Mets, who secured the 26-year-old's services with a record-breaking $765 million fee.

Camden Yards adjustment lured Tyler O'Neill to the Orioles

Tyler O'Neill averaged just .208 against right-handed pitching in 2024. But on the flip side, he hit .313 with 16 home runs in just 156 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. This makes him an ideal right-handed option ready to belt it to left field.

The left field at Camden Yards stretched out to more than 400 feet which could have possibly been a barrier to his success. But the Orioles have made the change to it in the offseason, bringing it by more than 20 feet throughout the stretch of the field which eventually became O'Neill's deciding factor.

"To be honest with you, I don't know if I would consider signing with Baltimore with that left field how it was the last couple of years with my player profile and how I hit the ball. It would swallow me up a little bit," O'Neill said.

Tyler O'Neill brilliantly compliments a stacked Orioles outfield pool, which is lefty-heavy. With the new dimensions for the left field at Camden Yards, O'Neill would be a perfect hit to keep up his slugging prowess and earn yet another 30+ home run season (which would be his third).