12 Red Sox Who Won't Be Back in 2025 After Falling Short of Playoffs Again

4. Tyler O'Neill

Tyler O'Neill was acquired by the Red Sox on Dec. 8 in exchange for two lower-ranked prospects in a low-risk, high reward move by Craig Breslow. O'Neill had spent the first six seasons of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and even finished top-10 in National League MVP voting in 2021.

O'Neill slashed .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs and 61 RBI. His 31 home runs led the team. O'Neill also posted a high strikeout rate, striking out 159 times in 411 at-bats. Only Jarren Duran (160 K's in 671 at-bats) struck out more times than O'Neill on the Red Sox.

Currently, Boston has Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu as their probable starting outfielders in 2025. 20-year-old Roman Anthony, the top-ranked prospect in baseball, could also be on pace to earn his MLB call-up next season. Veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder is also under contract for 2025. Obviously, a full offseason ahead could entail a lot of moving pieces and clear up a spot for O'Neill, but right now it is not clear where he fits into next season's squad.

A two-time Gold Glove winner with the Cardinals, O'Neill played 70 games in left field, 50 games in right field, and 18 as a designated hitter this season.

The 29-year-old is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. A return isn't out of the question for O'Neill, but it will likely come down to how much Craig Breslow and co. are willing to pay him and how the remainder of the roster shapes out.