Red Sox’s Tyler O’Neill Expresses ‘Mutual Interest’ In Potential Reunion

BOSTON -- Tyler O'Neill did what he needed to for the Red Sox in 2024. He stayed on the field more, something he still wishes to improve, and mashed baseballs.

O'Neill slugged 30 home runs, 31 to be exact, for just the second time in his MLB career while playing in 113 games for the Red Sox. Boston acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals for the season and the 29-year-old now approaches free agency for the first time. That's after what he feels was a very enjoyable season in Boston.

"It was an awesome year getting to experience Boston," O'Neill said. "Calling Fenway my home ballpark for a season. Getting to know my teammates. I wouldn't want to change it for anything. I think we accomplished a lot of good things this season, both in good stretches and bad stretches. We did it together."

"They got something good cooking over here in the Boston organization," O'Neill added. "We'll see what happens."

In terms of the offseason, the Red Sox have several key decisions to make, particularly in balancing the lineup and figuring out the future of the outfield. O'Neill does offer the right-handed power they still need, which could factor into a potential reunion this winter.

"(Breslow) has made a note to me," O'Neill revealed. "We just talked today actually. Just feel where we're at. Obviously, there's mutual interest there. I feel comfortable in this clubhouse. The guys are awesome here. The way the staff communicates has been awesome to experience that this year."

O'Neill clearly sees aspects of the franchise that intrigue him about staying with the Red Sox with one standing out.

O'Neill's response? "Clubhouse culture."

"It really stuck out to me this year," O'Neill explained. "They do a really good job of that. There's no egos in this clubhouse either. The guys are awesome. They want to hang out away from the field. Just everybody just has a good relationship from what I can tell."

The outfielder also credited manager Alex Cora for being a culture catalyst in a welcoming clubhouse for the Red Sox.

"I think they've got a good thing cooking over here signing Alex to a three-year extension," O'Neill explained. "He's great for the clubhouse. Obviously, the way we've been able to communicate has really helped me break some barriers again this year."

Boston missed the postseason but had games early in September where the season circumstances created big moments for the crowd. O'Neill's walk-off three-run home run to beat the Baltimore Orioles comes to mind. Those moments only grow louder in October and that Red Sox possibility interests O'Neill.

"Hearing Fenway when the games matter, that was really special," O'Neill offered.