Baltimore Orioles' Tyler O'Neill Makes MLB Offseason Decision

The Baltimore Orioles entered the offseason with plenty of questions to answer after a year that fell short of expectations. Following back‑to‑back playoff appearances, Baltimore struggled to recapture that momentum, and inconsistent offensive production played a major role. Several lineup pieces failed to deliver steady results, putting added pressure on a young roster still learning how to navigate heightened expectations.

One player whose season mirrored the Orioles’ broader frustrations was outfielder Tyler O’Neill. Signed to a three‑year, $49.5 million contract last winter to add power and veteran presence to the lineup, O’Neill never fully found his rhythm in Baltimore’s offense in 2025. Injuries and prolonged slumps limited his impact, making his first year with the club a disappointing one for both player and team.

As the offseason continues, O’Neill’s name surfaced this week for a different reason. He has made an international commitment ahead of the regular season. “Tyler O'Neill (Canada) and Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Panama) also playing in World Baseball Classic #orioles,” reported Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. O’Neill is scheduled to participate in the World Baseball Classic in March, representing Team Canada.

The decision adds an interesting layer to O’Neill’s offseason as he looks to reset following a tough year. He appeared in just 54 games in 2025, hitting .199 with a .292 on‑base percentage and a .684 OPS. He finished with nine home runs and 26 RBIs, numbers well below expectations for a player brought in to provide middle‑of‑the‑order power.

While his production lagged last season, his track record suggests more is possible. At his best, O’Neill offers power, athleticism and above‑average defense in the outfield, traits that remain valuable if he can stay healthy. He is a two‑time Gold Glove Award winner and even finished eighth in National League MVP voting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.

Baltimore’s front office addressed several weaknesses this offseason, adding depth and star power around the roster. Those additions should reduce pressure on O’Neill to carry the offense, allowing him to settle into a more defined role. A healthier lineup and improved pitching staff could create more favorable conditions for a rebound year.

For the Orioles, O’Neill’s WBC participation reflects confidence in his preparation and mindset. The tournament provides competitive reps and a chance to rebuild momentum heading into spring training. If O’Neill can translate that experience into improved consistency, Baltimore’s outlook in 2026 could look far different than the year before.