1985–2001 · RF

Paul O'Neill

6' 4", 200 lbs·Lived to 63·Bats L / Throws L

All-Star

The Almanac's Take

The fiery right fielder's 1994 season remains one of the most underrated batting performances of the 1990s. O'Neill's .359 average that year was the highest by a Yankee since Mickey Mantle, and his 1.064 OPS represented a massive leap from his career .804 mark. That peak season showcased what made him special — an explosive hitter who could elevate his game when it mattered most.

O'Neill's career tells two distinct stories. His Cincinnati years were solid but unremarkable, posting a respectable .259 average across six seasons. The trade to New York unlocked something different entirely. His Yankee tenure featured five All-Star selections and a .303 average that was 44 points higher than his Reds output.

The intensity that made him a fan favorite in pinstripes also produced remarkable consistency. O'Neill's career 108 OPS+ doesn't capture his ability to rise in October or his knack for working deep counts that wore down opposing pitching staffs throughout those championship runs.

Career Highs

1.064

Best OPS · 1994

Most HR · 1991

117

Most RBI · 1997

.359

Best AVG · 1994

Career Arc · OPS

17 seasons

Statistical Comps

Vladimir Guerrero

98%

2024 season

ISO .221 · K% 13.8 · BB% 10.3 · HR% 4.3

Alex Bregman

98%

2025 season

ISO .189 · K% 14.1 · BB% 10.3 · HR% 3.6

Career · Batting

17 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1985	CIN	5	12	0	1	.333	.750	105
1986	CIN	3	2	0	0	.000	.333	46
1987	CIN	84	160	7	28	.256	.819	110
1988	CIN	145	485	16	73	.252	.720	104
1989	CIN	117	428	15	74	.276	.792	114
1990	CIN	145	503	16	78	.270	.761	107
1991	CIN	152	532	28	91	.256	.827	117
1992	CIN	148	496	14	66	.246	.719	103
1993	NYY	141	498	20	75	.311	.871	118
1994	NYY	103	368	21	83	.359	1.064	139
1995	NYY	127	460	22	96	.300	.913	121
1996	NYY	150	546	19	91	.302	.885	115
1997	NYY	149	553	21	117	.324	.912	121
1998	NYY	152	602	24	116	.317	.882	117
1999	NYY	153	597	19	110	.285	.812	104
2000	NYY	142	566	18	100	.283	.760	97
2001	NYY	137	510	21	70	.267	.789	104
Career		2053	7318	281	1269	.288	—	—

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