NEWSLETTER
The Cody Bellinger trade leverage is shaping up nicely for the Cubs *IF* Juan Soto signs with someone other than the Yankees. Earlier tonight, one big-money fallback option (Willy Adames) came off the board on a massive seven-year deal with the Giants. And just now, Tyler O’Neill signed a healthy three-year, $49.5M with the Baltimore Orioles. And it comes with an opt-out after the first year. Not bad at all for a guy who played more than 100 games for just the second time in his career last season.
Tyler O’Neill Signs with Orioles
Tyler O’Neill, 29, had a solid 2024 campaign, bouncing back in a big way with the Boston Red Sox: .241/.336/.511 (131 wRC+), launching 31 homers in just 113 games.
And it’s a good thing for the Cubs (in the whole “leverage” department) that he went to a team that was not in the conversation for Cody Bellinger. This removes at least one credible alternative for a team not otherwise likely for Bellinger.
As an aside, this signing may modestly tighten the screws on the Yankees, who may be Juan Soto’s preferred destination, but are probably lagging behind the (likely) highest offer from Steve Cohen’s Mets. It’s still early, but the Yankees’ big-pop offensive alternatives in free agency are shrinking.
Another potential impact here is that fellow free agent (and former Oriole) Anthony Santander is likely not returning to Baltimore after this move. Santander was a theoretical Cubs free-agent target once upon a time, but I’m not so sure anyone really buys that anymore. Have to imagine the Orioles are still going to try for an impact starter. Good on that org for staying hungry.
As for the deal, itself, it’s another comfortable get in a pretty hot market, particularly because of the opt-out. O’Neill is young enough that if he can turn in an equal or ideally more healthy season (which has been a big issue for him in the past), then he can probably score a MUCH larger contract next winter. But in the meantime, he gets the security of a three-year deal, with a solid AAV.
By the way, Tyler O’Neill, like Willy Adames, is also a Scott Boras client … interesting that his position players are coming off the board today, eh? I have a feeling Juan Soto knows exactly where he’s going, and we’re all going to find out tomorrow.
