The MLB trade deadline is still weeks away, but rumors have swirled around Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O'Neill.
O'Neill was traded to the Red Sox in Dec. 2023. His early success at the plate and expiring contract have led many experts and reporters to believe his tenure in Boston will be short.
The outfielder began the season on a tear and quickly collected 11 home runs for the Sox. His offense stalled significantly in May, and O'Neill is batting .250/.354/.500 through 44 games. He's posted negative one outs above average, but his defense has been solid in one of the best defensive outfields in the league this year.
The Philadelphia Phillies' garden needs help if they hope to contend for a World Series, and O'Neill may be a good candidate to give their bats a boost. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Phillies will be "all over the outfield market" before the July 30 trade deadline.
Red Sox outfielder Tyler O'Neill may be targeted by Phillies if he can stay healthy
"If we can take advantage of the next three days, that's what we'll do... hopefully we can avoid an IL."
— NESN (@NESN) June 8, 2024
Alex Cora provided an update on Tyler O'Neill, who left yesterday's game with right knee discomfort. pic.twitter.com/zvjMGqsKu3
Passan also noted that O'Neill will be a highly sought-after candidate if he can stay healthy, which has been a struggle in the past. The 28-year-old has only played more than 100 games in a season once in his seven-year MLB career and he's only cracked more than 75 games twice.
He's currently sidelined for Boston due to knee inflammation, and he may miss much of its series against Philadelphia. The MLB-leading Phillies will be in town for a three-game series starting on June 11, and they may miss out on a close look at O'Neill.
If the Red Sox can't break free of their middling record, they may be forced into a fire sale at the trade deadline. O'Neill will likely be one of the first players shipped elsewhere, provided he can stay healthy, because Boston's outfield is packed with talent with multiple years on their contracts.