Tyler O’Neill made an impact in 2024, slugging his way into the hearts of Red Sox fans and showing his potential as a key piece of Boston’s future. The 29-year-old outfielder, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals, smashed 31 home runs, marking the second 30-homer season of his career, while playing in 113 games. Now, as he approaches free agency for the first time, O’Neill reflects on a memorable season in Boston, one he thoroughly enjoyed.
“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. We accomplished a lot, both in good stretches and bad stretches, but we did it together.”
O’Neill became an instant fan favorite, delivering clutch moments, including a memorable walk-off three-run homer against the Baltimore Orioles. Despite the Red Sox missing the postseason, O’Neill’s power and presence provided the team with much-needed right-handed muscle in the lineup, a factor that could play into a potential reunion this offseason.
“They’ve got something good cooking over here in the Boston organization,” O’Neill said when asked about his future. “We’ll see what happens.”
Mutual Interest in a Red Sox Return
While O’Neill enters free agency, both he and the Red Sox appear open to a possible return. Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has already touched base with O’Neill, indicating the team’s interest in keeping him in Boston. O’Neill, for his part, has grown fond of the clubhouse culture and the bonds formed with teammates.
“(Breslow) has made a note to me,” O’Neill revealed. “We just talked today, actually, to 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.”
One aspect of the Red Sox organization that clearly appeals to O’Neill is the strong clubhouse culture, a theme he returned to repeatedly when discussing his time with the team.
“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. The guys want to hang out away from the field. Everybody just has a good relationship from what I can tell.”
A Strong Connection with Manager Alex Cora
O’Neill also praised manager Alex Cora, who was recently signed to a three-year extension, for his role in fostering a positive atmosphere. Cora’s leadership and communication skills have clearly left a mark on O’Neill, who sees the manager as a driving force behind Boston’s tight-knit clubhouse.
“I think they’ve got a good thing cooking over here signing Alex to a three-year extension,” O’Neill said. “He’s great for the clubhouse. The way we’ve been able to communicate has really helped me break some barriers again this year.”
Looking Toward the Future
Although the Red Sox fell short of a playoff berth in 2024, O’Neill is intrigued by the possibility of experiencing the intensity of October baseball at Fenway Park. He already had a taste of what it might be like during September games, with the crowd roaring after his late-game heroics.
“Hearing Fenway when the games matter, that was really special,” O’Neill offered.
As free agency looms, both the Red Sox and O’Neill seem to recognize the potential for a mutually beneficial future. With O’Neill’s right-handed power and his affinity for Boston’s clubhouse, a reunion could be a key part of Boston’s offseason plans. Whether or not he returns, O’Neill’s 2024 season will be remembered as a bright spot for a Red Sox team looking to build for the future.
