WATCH!! Outfielder Tyler O’Neill is making a strong first impression with the Orioles

New Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill is already bringing excitement in spring training, showcasing power at the plate and praising his young, talented teammates.

Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees

Just over a week into spring training, the Baltimore Orioles’ newest offseason acquisition, Tyler O’Neill, is already making his presence felt, both on and off the field.

In a recent conversation with MASN Sports reporter Roch Kubatko, the veteran outfielder had nothing but praise for his new team, offering words that should excite Orioles fans.

“I’ve been really impressed with this entire group here. It’s such a young core, no egos, and everyone works so hard. It’s really good to see. I’m just trying to fit in how I can, where I can. I think I fit in really well here, and I just want to continue the good work.”

O’Neill tells no lies when he speaks highly of the talent surrounding him.

The Orioles boasted a high-powered offense in 2024, featuring four All-Star hitters and finished the season ranked among the top five teams in the majors in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage. The addition of O’Neill strengthens an already formidable lineup.

Despite coming off a strong season in Boston, the soon-to-be 30-year-old enters a new organization with plenty to prove.

He steps into an outfield that recently lost Anthony Santander, whose 2024 campaign was strong enough to earn down-ballot MVP recognition. Whether fair or not, O’Neill will undoubtedly be compared to the departed slugger and evaluated based on how well he helps fill the offensive void left by him.

Can Tyler O’Neill repeat his 2024 season?

If anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Tyler O’Neill. Once an afterthought on the St. Louis Cardinals’ roster, he turned heads with a Gold Glove-winning season in 2020 before exploding offensively in 2021.

That year, he slashed .286/.352/.560 with 34 home runs, earning MVP votes and securing his second Gold Glove.

When healthy, O’Neill is the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it player—streaky at times, not afraid to strikeout, but a game-changer when locked in.

He finds himself as one of the few players who’s elite barrel percentage (98%) and hard-hit rate (90%) in 2024 more than made up for his aggressive chase rate (65%).

In just two spring training appearances, O’Neill has already flashed his trademark power as he looks to expand his 2024 campaign. On February 27, he crushed a three-run home run during a seven-run second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, helping lead the Orioles to an 11-8 victory.

Sky’s Out, Ty’s Out pic.twitter.com/TLY5OIcyhU

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 27, 2025

It’s early, but O’Neill’s performance in the first week of camp signals that he’s ready to make an impact alongside his new teammates.

For an Orioles team with championship aspirations, having a veteran presence like O’Neill in the lineup could be a difference-maker.

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