"There just wasn't that push from that side to get me," O'Neill said during an appearance on WEEI's 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast. "Boston was caught up in the Soto Sweepstakes, and rightfully so. They should be in that market... But when I'm getting prioritized interest on the other side with a really good opportunity, there's nothing for me to wait around on."
O'Neill expressed surprise at the Red Sox's lack of interest, stating, "I was surprised at the lack of interest. Where I fell in the pecking order, I have no idea... It is what it is."
Despite initial hopes to stay with the Red Sox, talks never progressed into serious negotiations. O'Neill signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Orioles.
Red Sox's focus seemed to have shifted after missing out on Soto, as they endeavored to strengthen their pitching staff instead, recently acquiring Garrett Crochet.
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