Boston Red Sox outfielder and slugger is interested in returning to the Red Sox for another season, per Rob Bradford. O’Neill mentioned in a post-game conference he had talked to Sox CBO Craig Breslow about the possibility.
This season, O’Neill played 113 games and had averages of .241/.335/.511/.847. He hit 31 homers, 18 doubles, and 61 RBI.
Keeping O’Neill would be great for the Sox, as they have a plethora of lefty hitters, and few good righty hitters. Both Breslow and manager Alex Cora emphasized balancing the lineup, and this would be a good start.
The only foreseeable problem with O’Neill is his ability to put the ball in play. He had a lower average, batting .240 this season with 31 homers and 18 doubles. It seems like when he does hit it in play it's either a bomb or big hit. He needs to learn consistency for him to really be a threat.
Another problem is he goes through massive cold streaks. There are periods where he has multi-homer games, and then goes through a multi-game hitless streak where he strikes out a bunch.
However, these are all problems that can be fixed by working on them in the offseason. O’Neill would be great for the Sox, and they should really keep him for another year.
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