Orioles Revamp Outfield with Tyler O’Neill Ahead of Opening Day

Baltimore, MD — As the Baltimore Orioles prepare for the 2025 MLB season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, they have significantly reshaped their outfield, introducing Tyler O'Neill to bolster their performance against left-handed pitchers. The move comes as the Orioles look to build on a successful offseason filled with key acquisitions.

After a season of rebuilding, the Orioles have made strategic changes to their roster, retaining Cedric Mullins in center field while replacing Anthony Santander, who signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the Blue Jays. O’Neill, a Canadian native coming off a productive year with the Boston Red Sox, joins Colton Cowser, who took over left field after Austin Hays‘s injury-ridden season.

“It’s all about creating a well-rounded outfield that can succeed against various types of pitching,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. “With O’Neill and Cowser, we have the right balance to take on any challenge.”

O’Neill had an impressive 31 home runs in just 113 games last season and boasts a career .923 OPS against left-handed pitchers, making him a valuable asset in the lineup. Cowser, meanwhile, is fresh off his strong rookie season where he finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting and is looking to build on his 2024 performance, despite struggling against lefties.

Cowser’s statistics in spring training have been promising, including a .364 batting average and a .462 on-base percentage over 18 games. Last year, he excelled against right-handed pitching but faced challenges with left-handed pitchers, posting a mere .661 OPS. However, his overall value as a fielder has been commendable.

Mullins, who has been a fixture in center field, has his own set of challenges, particularly when facing left-handed pitchers. His 2024 season statistics reflected a troubling trend, with a .196 batting average against lefties, raising questions about his position in the lineup against them.

“It’s hard to justify keeping him in the lineup against left-handers if his performance doesn’t improve,” said sports analyst Jim Palmer. “He’s a great asset on the field, but adjustments need to be made.”

Adding depth to the outfield is Ramón Laureano, a right-handed hitter with experience in center field, and Heston Kjerstad, both expected to play supporting roles in the Orioles’ strategy against challenging pitching matchups.

The Orioles’ pitching staff also faced scrutiny, with an aging rotation that includes 41-year-old Charlie Morton and 37-year-old Kyle Gibson. The team’s management hopes that emerging talents in the minor leagues can eventually bolster the lineup while veterans guide them through this season.

As they head into their first game, anticipation builds around O’Neill’s record of homering in five consecutive Opening Days. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can extend that streak today in his home country.

“This is a special moment for me,” O’Neill said before the game. “Playing my first Opening Day in Canada makes this opportunity even more meaningful. I want to contribute right from the start.”