New Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neill: ‘I’m in a really good spot physically and mentally’
The Red Sox acquired Tyler O’Neill from the Cardinals in December for pitchers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos. The new Sox outfielder has dealt with injuries the last couple of seasons but believes he can get back to being the everyday contributor to the lineup.
“Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with multiple injuries the last couple of years,” O’Neill said to reporters at Red Sox Winter Weekend. “So I just try and learn from the experiences I’m given. I’ve learned a lot just in terms of biomechanics and how to take care of my body, how to prep. I fully believe that player is still in there. And I feel like I have more than that in the tank still. So the big thing for me is just staying healthy. Once I get into the rhythm, get consistent everyday at-bats, then I can start to feel comfortable and be that player again. I’m looking forward to getting there.”
A veteran of six major-league seasons, O’Neill is a two-time Gold Glove award winner and saw his best offseason come during the 2021 campaign.
That season, O’Neill mashed 34 home runs and slashed .286/.352/.560 in 138 games. Injuries limited O’Neill last season, allowing him to play in only 72 games, missing two months after a slow start with a lower back strain, and finishing with a .231/.312/.403 line. He spent time on the 60-day IL with a lower back strain and 10-day injured list with a right foot sprain.
O’Neill has started 324 games in left field, 36 games in left field and 12 games in right field during his big league career.
The Canadian slugger has made changes this with his training program this offseason.
“I’m on a new training program this year,” O’Neill said. “Just really intensive with the prep work and taking care of my body before I get into my actual workouts and stuff. The hitting program has been awesome. The body feels like it’s in great shape. So I’m looking to see how that’s going to carry over into everyday baseball activity when we get down to Fort Myers. But I’m excited. I feel like I’m in a really good spot physically and mentally as well.”
If healthy, O’Neill gives Boston a right-handed bat they were looking for to pair with Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida, and Wilyer Abreu. His addition also allows Boston to send Ceddanne Rafaela back to Triple-A Worcester to play everyday.
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