The Red Sox have a big decision to make with a star slugger, and a new report has made things even more exciting.

Boston’s top team weighed in on the idea of ​​re-signing Tyler O’Neill, who was one of the club’s best batters with 31 home runs in 2024. The 29-year-old has been open to returning to the Red Sox, and the two sides are expected to meet and discuss a possible return.

The Red Sox could bring O’Neill back by extending a qualifying offer to the impending free agent, which is expected to be the highest in history. According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, MLB’s qualifying offer will be $21.05 million. According to MLB Trade Rumors, it was $20.325 million last year. What does this mean for Boston?

The qualifying offer is a one-year contract that teams can offer to eligible free agents, which includes O’Neill. If a player declines the qualifying offer and signs with another team, the original team will receive draft compensation.

No player accepted his qualifying offer last season, but top free agents like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso are expected to be candidates. The Red Sox may elect to bring O’Neill back with the qualifying offer, which the outfielder could accept as a short-term transaction and retain flexibility for his future.

Teams must decide on qualifying bids by five days after the World Series. While fans enjoy the Fall Classics, they’re also keeping an eye on the start of the offseason.