The Boston Red Sox will have some difficult decisions throughout the 2024 season.
Boston has surprised me so far. The Red Sox are currently 13-10 on the season, despite being severely undermanned. Boston has been severely hampered by injuries and is missing a number of key players.
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill is currently sidelined but is expected to return soon. He was acquired by the Red Sox in a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals this summer and has been a significant bright spot for Boston.
O’Neill has been outstanding this season, with seven home runs, eight RBIs, and slashing.313/.459/.750 in 15 games played. He will be a free agency at the conclusion of the season, and if he continues to perform at this level, he could be in line for a contract extension with Boston.
While this is true, he might be traded at the deadline if the Red Sox fall out of contention. If this is the case, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has suggested that the Tampa Bay Rays could be a good fit for him.
“Ideal Landing Spots: Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Guardians, (and) Tampa Bay Rays,” he said. “Tyler O’Neill is healthy for the first time since finishing in the top ten of the NL MVP voting with the Cardinals in 2021, making the Red Sox’s offseason trade to acquire him appear like a stroke of genius for chief baseball officer Craig Breslow…
“O’Neill would also be both an offensive and corner outfield upgrade for the (Cleveland Guardians) and Rays and a relatively cheap one considering he will become a free agent after the 2024 season.”
Hopefully, the Red Sox can keep O’Neill, but if they struggle near the trade deadline, don’t be surprised if a transaction occurs.
