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4 Red Sox Already on the Trade Block Ahead of Deadline

We're only a quarter of the way through the MLB season, but it's never too early to start thinking about potential trades. If Boston's season goes south, as many have projected, who'll be the first players on the block?

By Jacob Phillips

May 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74)
May 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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1. OF Tyler O’Neill

If he can keep up even 80% of his current production, O’Neill will be one of the most coveted players on the market in recent years. Through 143 plate appearances, the Canadian has bashed his way to a .256/.371/.554 line, good for a .925 OPS and a 151 wRC+. He’s played solid if unspectacular, corner-outfield defense and has been a major boost to a Red Sox lineup that has been inconsistent at best.

There are some concerns with O’Neill. He strikes out a lot, has an extensive injury history, and some advanced analytics indicate he’s overperforming just a bit.

O’Neill has only played 100 games in one out of five full seasons, and he’s only once even come close to his current OPS. To boot, he’s in the last year of his contract, and any team that isn’t interested in paying for a hefty extension will be dealing exclusively with a rental.

Even so, the market for O’Neill will be robust. Powerful, all-around outfielders are hard to come by, and any World Series hopeful with a hole in the outfield should come calling.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a team like Seattle or Milwaukee part ways with a touted prospect or two to acquire O’Neill’s services. If the Red Sox get offered a fringe top-100 guy, I’d be surprised if they turn it down.

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