Overview
- O’Neill declined to exercise his post-2025 opt-out on Monday, keeping him under contract in Baltimore through the final two seasons of his deal.
- He is owed about $33 million over those two years, according to multiple reports.
- In 2025 he was limited to 54 games and hit .199 with nine home runs and a .684 OPS during an injury-hit first season with the Orioles.
- Team executive Mike Elias emphasized that O’Neill’s value hinges on staying on the field, noting his production suffers when he is not available.
- O’Neill is expected to vie for at-bats with Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers in 2026, and the club could explore adding another true center fielder.