Craig Breslow last week revealed a right-handed bat(s) will be among the Red Sox's top priorities in the upcoming MLB offseason.
Less than a week later, Boston's chief baseball officer indicated the club might target an internal option to check that box.
Speaking with the media at the Red Sox's end-of-season press conference Monday at Fenway Park, Breslow confirmed Boston will be in touch with impending free agent Tyler O'Neill.
"Whether it's Tyler or someone else, replacing that type of production in the middle of the lineup is going to be a priority," Breslow told reporters, per MassLive. "We'll obviously have to see how this process plays out. But I anticipate we'll be in communication. He's earned the right to get to free agency. But I think the right-handed power hitter that can pop 30 and change a game with one swing is definitely a pretty desirable asset here."
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O'Neill on Sunday revealed he had already spoken with Breslow and there was "mutual interest" between the Red Sox and the veteran slugger about a new contract in Boston. O'Neill certainly looked comfortable in his first season calling Fenway Park home, as he led the team in home runs (31) despite missing 49 games.
Time will tell if the Red Sox and O'Neill arrange a new pact, but it doesn't sound like the 29-year-old has one foot out the door.
