O’Neill to Orioles, Grichuk Market Heats Up
Tyler O’Neill found a new home with the Orioles, signing a three-year, $49.5 million deal.
This signing likely closes the door on the possibility of Randal Grichuk landing in Baltimore. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported the Orioles were interested in the outfielder. Grichuk would’ve been more of a platoon player but, like O’Neill, is a right-handed bat who feasts on left-handed pitching. His skillset was on full display with the Diamondbacks in 2024, crushing southpaws to the tune of .319/.386/.528 in 184 plate appearances. After turning down a $6 million mutual option for 2025, Grichuk is now set to cash in on a solid contract, expected to be lucrative based on his lefty-mashing prowess and ability to play all three outfield positions.
## Blue Jays Seek Relief Help
The Blue Jays expressed interest in reliever Clay Holmes before he signed with the Mets. Toronto was only eyeing him for a bullpen role which isn’t surprising given the team’s desire to bolster their bullpen.
Holmes hasn’t started a game since 2018, and will return to a starting role with the Mets, signing a three-year, $38 million contract.
## Rays Ballpark Project Faces Delays
The St. Petersburg City Council approved a bond deal to help cover part of the Rays’ new ballpark project.
Colleen Wright provided comprehensive coverage for the Tampa Bay Times, detailing Thursday’s vote and next steps in the process. The Pinellas County Commission will meet on December 17 to discuss these bonds and $312.5 million in tourism taxes earmarked for the stadium.
It remains unclear how the commission will vote. Even with a yes vote, the delays have prompted the Rays to publicly threaten pulling out of the deal and leaving the Tampa Bay area completely. The team has expressed concerns that pushing the stadium opening past 2029 is untenable.
Prior to Hurricane Milton’s destruction of Tropicana Field’s roof, Hawkeye State the stadium was slated to open by Opening Day 2028.
The storm forced the team into a temporary arrangement playing out of George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa during 2025. The Rays’ future after the 2027 season remains uncertain.
What are the potential benefits for teams that sign Randal Grichuk?
## O’Neill to Orioles: What’s Next for Grichuk?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us now is MLB insider, Jim Tracker, to discuss the big news breaking this week – Tyler O’Neill signing a three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Jim, thanks for joining us.
**Jim:** Thanks for having me. It was a busy day in free agency!
**Host:** Absolutely! Let’s talk about O’Neill. Three years, $49.5 million. Pretty solid deal for the Orioles, wouldn’t you say?
**Jim:** I’d say so. O’Neill brings some pop to the lineup and he’s a proven hitter against left-handed pitching, which the Orioles were definitely looking for. [1]
**Host:** Now, this signing almost certainly means Randal Grichuk, who was also linked to Baltimore, is headed elsewhere.
**Jim:** You can pretty much count on that. [1] Reports indicated the Orioles were interested in both O’Neill and Grichuk, but with O’Neill’s signing, it seemsBaltimore has locked down their right-handed bat. Grichuk will have other suitors, of course, but this definitely heats up his market.
**Host:** Where do you see Grichuk landing? Any teams that seem like a good fit?
**Jim:** He’s a solid veteran outfielder who can hit lefties, so I’d expect teams looking to bolster their lineups with a right-handed bat to be interested. Teams with a need for a platoon player, maybe someone willing to take on a bit of a reclamation project, could see value in him.
**Host:** Jim Tracker, thanks for shedding light on this O’Neill signing and its implications for Randal Grichuk. Fascinating stuff!
**Jim:** My pleasure!
