The Red Sox certainly discovered a valuable player when they acquired outfielder Tyler O’Neill last winter. As the only right-handed power hitter in a predominantly left-handed lineup, O’Neill has responded with a career-high .268 batting average, 22 home runs, and a .900 OPS.
O’Neill’s contributions have been crucial, especially given that the team’s anticipated top hitters, Trevor Story and Tristan Casas, have missed most of the season due to injuries. A two-time Gold Glove winner, O’Neill has adjusted well to playing right field for the Red Sox.
However, he will be a free agent after this season, and despite his impressive performance, his future with the team is uncertain. The Red Sox’s ideal outfield for the future likely includes Ceddanne Rafaela in center, Jaren Duren in left, and Wilyer Abreu in right, with top prospect Roman Anthony also expected to compete for a spot. This could potentially leave O’Neill without a place on the roster, though his strong performance makes it hard to consider letting him go.
According to Bleacher Report, the Red Sox might not let O’Neill depart and could offer him a three-year, $45 million contract to keep him in Boston.
Anderson, who signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal with Boston in March, made 27 appearances, starting once and pitching 52 innings. He posted a 1.25 WHIP but had a 4.85 ERA with 35 strikeouts, including a 7.71 ERA in July. He lost his final game with Boston, giving up two earned runs to the New York Yankees.
While Flaherty will seek a substantial contract, the Red Sox could be a potential suitor if they decide to spend. The team’s rotation has been a surprising strength in 2024, but with Nick Pivetta and James Paxton both set to become free agents and uncertainties surrounding injured starters like Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock, adding a top-tier arm like Flaherty could greatly enhance the rotation.
If the Red Sox were to sign Flaherty and see success, it would be a frustrating development for Yankees fans, who were close to acquiring him.
