Will Tyler O’Neill play with Orioles in 2026? | MAILBAG

Question: Are the O’s really stuck with Tyler O’Neill playing sporadically over the next several years? From: Glenn Fuller, Laurel, Maryland

Answer: Glenn, unless Tyler O’Neill exercises his opt-out after this season and becomes a free agent, the Orioles will have to pay him $16.5 million in 2026 and 2027. It’s highly unlikely that O’Neill will opt out, and the Orioles will need outfielders next season. They’ll hope he can play more than the 43 games he’s played this season next year.

Question: Why are young players in the Orioles’ farm system not taught the English language as well as being taught the game of baseball? It would seem logical but doesn’t seem to be done as with Samuel Basallo, who does not speak English. From: Stephen Pozzuoli

Answer: Stephen, Orioles prospects are taught English at the team’s Dominican academy. Basallo does speak English well enough to communicate with pitchers and other players, though for the time being he uses Brandon Quinones, the team’s translator, to assist him in interviews.

I think that before too long Basallo will feel confident enough in his English to speak without the aid of a translator.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.