The Cody Bellinger commerce leverage is shaping up properly for the Cubs *IF* Juan Soto indicators with somebody apart from the Yankees. Earlier tonight, one big-money fallback choice (Willy Adames) got here off the board on an enormous seven-year cope with the Giants. And simply now, Tyler O’Neill signed a wholesome three-year, $49.5M with the Baltimore Orioles. And it comes with an opt-out after the primary yr. Not unhealthy in any respect for a man who performed greater than 100 video games for simply the second time in his profession final season.
Tyler O’Neill Signs with Orioles
Tyler O’Neill, 29, had a strong 2024 marketing campaign, bouncing again in an enormous manner with the Boston Red Sox: .241/.336/.511 (131 wRC+), launching 31 homers in simply 113 video games.
And it’s a superb factor for the Cubs (in the entire “leverage” division) that he went to a group that was not within the dialog for Cody Bellinger. This removes not less than one credible various for a group not in any other case seemingly for Bellinger.
As an apart, this signing could modestly tighten the screws on the Yankees, who could also be Juan Soto’s most well-liked vacation spot, however are most likely lagging behind the (seemingly) highest provide from Steve Cohen’s Mets. It’s nonetheless early, however the Yankees’ big-pop offensive options in free company are shrinking.
Another potential affect right here is that fellow free agent (and former Oriole) Anthony Santander is probably going not returning to Baltimore after this transfer. Santander was a theoretical Cubs free-agent goal as soon as upon a time, however I’m not so positive anybody actually buys that anymore. Have to think about the Orioles are nonetheless going to attempt for an affect starter. Good on that org for staying hungry.
As for the deal, itself, it’s one other snug get in a reasonably scorching market, notably due to the opt-out. O’Neill is younger sufficient that if he can flip in an equal or ideally extra wholesome season (which has been an enormous concern for him prior to now), then he can most likely rating a MUCH bigger contract subsequent winter. But within the meantime, he will get the safety of a three-year deal, with a strong AAV.
By the way in which, Tyler O’Neill, like Willy Adames, can also be a Scott Boras consumer … attention-grabbing that his place gamers are coming off the board at the moment, eh? I’ve a sense Juan Soto is aware of precisely the place he’s going, and we’re all going to search out out tomorrow.
