The Boston Red Sox made minimal additions during the MLB offseason, but one player to watch is Tyler O’Neal. The outfielder, who spent his first six seasons in St. Louis Cardinals, had an impressive 2021 campaign with a .286 batting average, 34 home runs and 80 RBI. O’Neal finished eighth in National League MVP voting.
One interesting fact about O’Neal is his ability to hit a home run on Opening Day. He accomplished the feat in four consecutive years, tying the record for the longest streak in MLB history. When the Red Sox open their 2024 season against the Mariners in Seattle, O’Neal has a chance to set a new record with a fifth consecutive homer in the opener.
Despite his Opening Day success, O’Neal has historically been a slow starter with a .228 batting average in March and April combined. However, if he can make a strong start to the season, it could provide a significant boost to manager Alex Cora’s football club. With the Red Sox’s hopes of a playoff spot resting on a strong offense, O’Neal’s performance early in the season could set the tone for the team.