Breaking the record: Will Tyler O’Neill set another history-making Opening Day homer for Boston Red Sox?

The Boston Red Sox made minimal additions during the MLB offseason, but one player to watch is Tyler O’Neill. The outfielder, who spent his first six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, had an impressive 2021 campaign with a .286 batting average, 34 home runs, and 80 RBI. O’Neill finished eighth in National League MVP voting.

When the Red Sox open their 2024 season against the Mariners in Seattle, O’Neill has the opportunity to set a new record with a fifth consecutive Opening Day homer. He has accomplished this feat in four consecutive years, tying the record for the longest streak in MLB history. One interesting fact about O’Neill is his ability to hit a home run on Opening Day. Despite his success on Opening Day, O’Neill has historically been a slow starter with a .228 batting average in March and April combined.

With the Red Sox’s hopes of a playoff spot relying on a strong offense, O’Neill’s performance early in the season could set the tone for the team. If he can start the season strong, it could provide a significant boost to manager Alex Cora’s ballclub. The only player with more Opening Day home runs than O’Neill in the last decade is New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.