O’Neill, Boras said, “had a great experience” in his lone season with the Sox and would welcome the opportunity to return.

O’Neill’s return would likely depend on first negotiation Wilyer Abreu, Jarren DuranOr Masataka Yoshida as part of a broader roster overhaul.

Whether it’s O’Neill or someone else, the Sox could use a right-handed hitter to balance the lineup. O’Neill hit a team-high 31 home runs last season.

“You know he can commit an offense,” Boras said. “When you can get 20 homers, let alone 30 homers, with a right-handed bat, they’re just not available.”

Boras predicted O’Neill would have a “very strong” market given his power and above-average defense.

Nick Pivettato whom a qualifying offer has been made, has until November 19 at 4 p.m. to accept. Does this mean the Sox should wait for Pivetta to make his choice before making any further decisions regarding their rotation?

Not necessarily, baseball chief says Craig Breslow.

“It’s a consideration. But I don’t think it makes sense to go into an offseason where any individual decision commits you to this path that doesn’t give you any flexibility,” he said. “So that’s a consideration, that’s a factor. But I don’t think our entire offseason depends on it.

Yoshida at home

Yoshida now resides in Boston and spends the offseason in the city with his wife and two children, who are in school.

This made it easy to complete rehabilitation work on his right shoulder following surgery on Oct. 3 to repair a torn labrum.

Yoshida is expected to return to Japan for a visit before the end of the year, then report to Fort Myers to begin training in January.

“He was determined to spend a lot of time (in Boston) and see our medical staff,” Breslow said. “I think it’s a good move for the rehabilitation process to be able to work with our staff on a daily basis.”

Boras, who also represents Yoshida, said the player felt “limited” by his shoulder injury last season. He batted for average (.280), but had only 21 doubles and 10 home runs as the team’s primary designated hitter.

Bullpen Building

Breslow added that a left-handed reliever is something the team is “very open to.”

Brennan Bernardino appeared in 57 games last season and was much better in the first half than the second half. He did not appear in any matches after September 10.

The only other left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster are Cam Booster, Bailey Cornand Zach Penrod.

Throw hard Tanner Scott is one of the best free agents on the market. The All-Star had a 1.75 ERA in 72 games with the Marlins and Padres last season.

Breslow praised the right-hander Luis Guerreroa 24-year-old Dominican who grew up in Boston.

“He was really good,” Breslow said. “I think he opened his eyes in spring training with just some raw stuff.”

Guerrero pitched well for Triple A Worcester and appeared in nine games for the major league team, allowing one unearned run in 10 innings and striking out nine with two walks.

“Work ethic was never going to be an issue,” Breslow said. “He is determined to continue to gain consistency.”

Hold on

Breslow said a backup catcher would likely come from outside the organization. With Kyle Teel likely to open the season in the minors, the Sox will need someone to spell Connor Wong … Teams have until Nov. 19 to place players on the 40-man roster. Breslow suggested those picks were largely made before the end of the season, but that a few other players would be discussed.

Peter Abraham can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him @PeteAbe.