Ryan Joseph Sweeney (born February 20, 1985) is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder.

[1][2] He had originally planned to play for Tony Gwynn at San Diego State University, but signed with the Chicago White Sox after they chose him in the 2nd round of the 2003 MLB draft.

On January 3, 2008, the White Sox traded him, along with fellow prospects pitchers Fautino de los Santos and Gio González, to Oakland for outfielder Nick Swisher.

On December 28, 2011, Sweeney and Andrew Bailey were traded to the Boston Red Sox for Josh Reddick, Miles Head and Raúl Alcántara.

[8] Sweeney was signed to provide additional outfield depth when the team learned that Ryan Kalish required surgery and would miss at least part of the 2013 season.

[9] At the end of spring training in March, 2013, Sweeney was not added to Boston's major league roster.

On June 15, Sweeney took over as the starting center fielder when David DeJesus sprained his shoulder running into a wall.