The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with outfielder Tyler O’Neill, according to someone familiar with the deal.
This person spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday but wished to remain anonymous because the agreement is still pending a successful physical.
O’Neill is set to earn $16.5 million each year for the next three seasons, with the option to opt out after 2025.
In addition, the Orioles have reached a one-year, $8.5 million deal with catcher Gary Sánchez, according to another person familiar with the negotiations. This person also requested to remain anonymous since the deal has not been officially announced.
O’Neill, 29, batted .241 with 31 home runs and 61 RBIs last season with Boston. It was his first year with the Red Sox after spending his first six seasons with St. Louis.
O’Neill can play in both corner outfield positions, which is important if the Orioles lose switch-hitting slugger Anthony Santander to free agency.
His ability to bat right-handed is also beneficial since the Orioles have several key left-handed hitters, including Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, and Cedric Mullins.
While O’Neill’s power is an advantage, his health is a concern. Injuries to his legs and a concussion limited him to 113 games last season, which was the second-most in his career. In 2021, he played 138 games and set career highs with a .286 batting average, 34 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases.
O’Neill was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year at the annual Players Choice Awards from the Major League Baseball Players Association. He had played only 72 games in 2023 before being traded from the Cardinals to the Red Sox.
In his first game with Boston, O’Neill homered on his fifth consecutive opening day, setting a big league record.
O’Neill won Gold Glove awards in 2020 and 2021.
Sánchez is expected to be the backup catcher behind All-Star Adley Rutschman. Sánchez, who turned 32 on Monday, hit .220 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs in 89 games for Milwaukee last season.
