The Los Angeles Dodgers are making waves again this offseason, securing the first nine-figure deal of the winter by signing starting pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. Could Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neill be their next big acquisition?
While Juan Soto is the top outfielder available, a blockbuster deal to bring him to Hollywood doesn’t appear likely at the moment. However, with Mookie Betts transitioning back to the infield for the 2025 season, the Dodgers are in need of another outfielder.
One possibility is re-signing Teoscar Hernández, which seems like the most probable outcome. Still, free agency is unpredictable, and intriguing options like O’Neill remain in play.
After struggling with injuries and being limited to 168 games from 2022-23, O’Neill had a resurgence in 2024, playing 113 games for the Red Sox. He led the team with 31 home runs, adding 61 RBIs, 74 runs scored, and a .847 OPS. His performance has sparked speculation about a potential move to Los Angeles.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicted “one big move” for every MLB team this winter and suggested O’Neill could land with the Dodgers on a three-year, $50 million deal.
“O’Neill had a tremendous bounce-back season in Boston, slugging .511 with 31 home runs in 2024 after battling injuries the two prior years,” Schoenfield noted. “Like Hernández, he excelled against left-handed pitching and would be a great addition to the lineup alongside Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy. Plus, he’s a better defender than Hernández.”
In addition to his offensive prowess, O’Neill is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, earning the honor in consecutive seasons in 2020 and 2021. He could be a compelling option for the Dodgers, especially if Hernández opts to sign a multi-year deal elsewhere.
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