The Baltimore Orioles may have made one reasonably big signing, but it’s hard to class their offseason to this point as anything but a disappointment.
The Orioles inked Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 home runs for the Boston Red Sox in 2024, to a three-year, $49 million deal. But that hardly makes up for the loss of Corbin Burnes, the four-time All-Star starting pitcher who recently signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
O’Neill may be a smart addition for the Orioles in a vacuum, but he’s also meant to be a replacement for Anthony Santander, who hit 44 home runs as the Orioles’ All-Star right fielder in 2024. If Santander winds up signing right back in the Orioles’ division, it won’t sit well with many Marylanders.
In a recent article of free agency predictions, Colin Cerniglia of Yardbarker forecasted a Red Sox-Santander union, potentially creating even more offseason strife in Baltimore.
“Santander’s 44 home runs in 2024 with the Orioles cemented him as one of MLB’s premier power bats,” Cerniglia said. “Though his defense has declined, he has an offensive upside that remains undeniable.”
“Prediction: The Boston Red Sox will double down on offense, adding Santander’s switch-hitting power to their lineup.”
Santander, 30, is a year older than O’Neill, not as athletic, and had relatively similar overall stats. However, he’s proven he can stay on the field more consistently, and even for as much power as O’Neill possesses, Santander’s is likely a little greater.
Santander is projected for a five-year, $89 million contract by Spotrac. The Red Sox have seemingly pledged to spend this winter, but have so far yet to live up to their word.
Hitting at Fenway Park could help O’Neill continue to excel offensively. And facing him for 13 games a year would be the last thing the Orioles would want to see.
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