Orioles biggest offseason regret impossible to ignore after Silver Slugger reveal

The American League Silver Slugger finalists have been revealed, and while there were no Baltimore Orioles players recognized, it was a reminder of the swing-and-miss the front office had with the signing of veteran outfielder Tyler O'Neill last winter. O'Neill was the biggest offseason move for the Orioles last season, but his three-year deal suddenly looks like Mike Elias' latest regret.

Even at the time of the signing, it seemed that the Orioles overlooked the red flags that surrounded O'Neill's free agency. O'Neill had an excellent 2024 campaign with the Boston Red Sox, hitting 31 home runs while posting a 133 wRC+. Just looking at those numbers, it made sense why Elias turned to the 30-year-old veteran to replace Anthony Santander's impact.

However, it was a lazy idea. Lazy in the sense that O'Neill playing 113 games with the Red Sox before signing with the Orioles was the first time he played in over 100 games in a season since 2021. O'Neill has always flashed the power potential, but injuries and a propensity to strike out have always limited his expectations.

Orioles fans saw their worst offseason fear confirmed by Silver Slugger results

Expecting O'Neill to be a Silver Slugger candidate would have been a lofty goal for Orioles fans, but they certainly deserved better from him. Injuries limited O'Neill to 54 games with the Orioles last season, with an eye-rolling slash line of .199/.292/.392. O'Neill did have nine home runs in his limited sample size, which carried his 91 wRC+, but the contract looks like a disaster for an Orioles team that is already afraid of spending money.

Mentioning that O'Neill can opt out of his deal this offseason feels like a moot point, considering his struggles would make him foolish to back away from $33 million guaranteed over the next two seasons. The Orioles are struck with O'Neill, and it speaks to a larger issue of Elias still having the final say over the team's baseball operations.

In an ideal world, the Orioles target a free agent to replace the production they may never get from O'Neill. Cody Bellinger would look good in center field, but spending that type of money after O'Neill's contract has already aged poorly doesn't have the scent of something the Orioles will follow this offseason.