Tyler O'Neill's future is set, and it's a decision that will keep him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. But is it the right move for both parties?
O'Neill, the powerful outfielder, has chosen to remain with the Baltimore Orioles for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, according to a source close to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. This news comes as a relief to Orioles fans who have been eagerly awaiting the team's announcement.
The 30-year-old signed a three-year deal worth $49.5 million with the Orioles in December 2025, a significant move for the team's front office, led by Mike Elias. This was their first multi-year contract offered to a free agent since Elias took the helm in 2018. However, the contract included an intriguing opt-out clause after the first year, leaving fans and analysts wondering about O'Neill's long-term plans.
His decision to stay is understandable, given the injury-plagued 2025 season he endured. O'Neill battled various injuries, including neck and wrist inflammation and a shoulder impingement, resulting in three separate stints on the injured list. These setbacks limited his playing time to just 54 games, where he managed a modest .199 batting average with nine home runs and 26 RBIs.
Here's where it gets interesting: Despite the underwhelming numbers, the Orioles believe in O'Neill's potential. They remember his impressive 2024 season with the Red Sox, where he smashed 31 home runs and maintained an .847 OPS. Orioles executive Mike Elias expressed his faith in O'Neill's abilities at the end-of-season press conference:
'The talent is there... The power, the swing, the outfield skills. He's a tremendous asset when healthy.'
And the Orioles aren't the only ones making moves. Left-handed pitcher Dietrich Enns will also return to Baltimore in 2026, with a team option for 2027. The 34-year-old was acquired from the Tigers mid-season and quickly made an impact with a 3.14 ERA in 17 games. The Orioles' decision to sign him to a new contract, rather than exercising his $3 million team option, suggests they value his contribution and want to keep him around.
But not everyone is staying. Utility player Jorge Mateo is expected to part ways with the Orioles, as they plan to decline his $5.5 million team option for 2026. Mateo's speed and versatility have been valuable, but injuries and inconsistent offense have limited his impact. Over the past four seasons, he's hit just .218 with a .626 OPS, although he's managed an impressive 95 stolen bases.
As the Orioles prepare for the upcoming season, they'll be hoping for a healthy and productive O'Neill, while also looking to fill the void left by Mateo. What do you think about these moves? Are the Orioles making the right calls, or is there a different strategy you'd like to see them pursue?
