Red Sox Breakout Star Could Be Traded To Dodgers After Stellar Start

Boston could be primed for a fire sale

Scott Neville | May 29, 2024

May 13, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Tyler O'Neill (17) hits a three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

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The Boston Red Sox appear to be heading toward another summer where they have some tough decisions to make regarding their roster.

Unless the team can throw themselves into postseason contention by July 30, it's assumed that impending free agents will be exchanged for various prospect hauls this summer. If that becomes the case, the Red Sox will have some interesting trade chips.

One team that appears to be a logical trade partner is the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose needs align with what Boston would make available at the deadline. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal already linked closer Kenley Jansen as a fit for the Dodgers and included one more area of need that matches up well with the Red Sox.

"Ideally, at least two of a group of four outfielders -- (Jason) Heyward, (Andy) Pages, (James) Outman and Miguel Vargas -- will emerge as solid contributors," Rosenthal wrote. "Even then, the Dodgers would be wise to explore the market for outfielders, who at the deadline generally are in ample supply."

If the Dodgers are looking for a boost in the outfield at the deadline, Tyler O'Neill could be a logical solution.

The 28-year-old is hitting .236 with 17 extra-base hits including 11 home runs, 17 RBIs and a .843 OPS (133 OPS+) in 41 games since joining the Red Sox.

O'Neill is in the last year of team control so he'd be fairly easy to move. Given his defensive pedigree with a pair of Gold Gloves in his trophy case -- the Dodgers would be acquiring a complete player and likely would be willing to part ways with a decent prospect compensation package.

O'Neill currently is dealing with a knee ailment but assuming he returns to action soon, he'll be a hot commodity by the trade deadline.

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Outfielder 'Favorite Of Some' In Dodgers Front Office With Deadline Looming

Published May 29, 2024

SCOTT NEVILLE

Scott Neville covers the Boston Red Sox for Sports Illustrated's new page "Inside The Red Sox." Before starting "Inside The Red Sox", Neville attended Merrimack College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media with a minor in Marketing. Neville spent all four years with Merrimack's radio station WMCK, where he grew as a radio/podcast host and producer. His propensity for being in front of a microphone eventually expanded to film, where he produced multiple short films alongside his then-roommate and current co-worker Stephen Mottram. On a journey that began as a way to receive easy credits via film classes, he received a call from "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" star Charlie Day. Day advised him to make a feature-length film, which he completed his senior year. While writing the film, Neville completed an internship for United Way as part of their NFL Partnership Program. Neville ran the blog for a team of interns and hosted an internet show called "United Way's NFL Partnership Series" where he interviewed NFL alumni. After college Neville wrote for SB Nation's "Over The Monster," a Red Sox sister site of the flagship brand. His work would eventually lead him to a job as a content producer with NESN, where he would cover all sports. After developing as a writer with the top regional network in the world, he was given the opportunity to join the Sports Illustrated Media Group in his current endeavor as the publisher of "Inside The Red Sox." The successful launch and quick rise of "Inside The Red Sox" led to Neville joining the Baseball Essential ownership group, a national baseball site under SIMG. Follow him on Twitter: @ScottNeville46 Email: nevilles@merrimack.edu