Red Sox’s Tyler O’Neill on the brink of setting new record: Can he repeat Opening Day home run streak and overcome slow starts?

The Boston Red Sox did not make any major offseason additions, but one player who could make a big impact is Tyler O’Neill. In 2021, the veteran outfielder had an impressive season with the St. Louis Cardinals, hitting .286 with 34 home runs and finishing eighth in MVP voting.

One interesting stat involving O’Neill is his streak of hitting a home run on Opening Day for the past four years. This ties a MLB record, and if he homers in the Red Sox’s 2024 season opener against the Mariners, he will set a new record. The only player with more Opening Day home runs in the last 10 years is Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees.

Despite his Opening Day success, O’Neill has historically been a slow starter, with a career batting average of .228 in March and April combined. For the Red Sox to have a chance at competing for a playoff spot, they will need O’Neill to start strong and contribute to a powerful offense under manager Alex Cora.