Rumors of a possible deal have suddenly surfaced after the Boston Red Sox decided not to extend one of their more promising young players.
The Boston Red Sox have had a wild start to the 2025 Major League Baseball season, with their share of highs and lows. Although Alex Cora’s team has struggled to keep up their momentum early in the season, the Red Sox’s record is more optimistic than ever following their 10-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday.
Thanks to a number of seasoned veterans, the Red Sox have been able to step up at different points this season. Among them is outfielder Wilyer Abreu, who is off to a fantastic start after earning Gold Gloves and finished sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year race in 2024.
Red Sox supporters are hopeful that, at just 25, Abreu can establish himself as a pillar of the team. Even though that would be wonderful, it turns out that the fan base may have a different opinion of him than Boston management.
Red Sox Haven’t Offered Extension to Wilyer Abreu, Opening Door to Trade
The Red Sox have locked on two key young players in the early going of the 2025 season. Shortly after making his Boston debut, left-handed ace Garrett Crochet got a six-year, $170 million agreement, and second base sensation Kristian Campbell earned an eight-year, $60 million contract.
Even though it’s fantastic to see up-and-coming players locked down, the Red Sox haven’t done the same to sign Abreu.
When asked if the Red Sox extended his contract, Abreu responded, “No, not yet,” to ESPN’s Enrique Rojas. “We’re at ease. I’m not in a desperate situation to get a contract or anything. It will happen when the moment is right.
The Red Sox’s lack of haste over a possible re-signing may reveal a lot about the Venezuelan OF’s future, despite Abreu’s amazing patience.
After all, Roman Anthony, a top Boston prospect, is getting closer to making his Major League debut every day, and if he is called up, Abreu might become expendable before the trade deadline. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Red Sox were open to considering offers given how the 25-year-old left-handed bat was mentioned in trade speculations throughout the most recent summer.
Abreu might get a respectable return if he is traded. He’s cutting. 306/.427/.532 in his first 20 games (62 at-bats) of the season, with three home runs, twelve RBIs, and thirteen walks. He matched for the fourth-best total in the Majors with 0.5 defensive wins above replacement during that time.
Not to mention how clubs searching for long-term outfield solutions would be drawn to Abreu given that he is under team control through the 2029 campaign.
Until the deadline or a contract extension is signed, Abreu’s name will likely be included in trade rumors unless something changes with Anthony’s development. For the time being, he will stop at nothing to help the Red Sox win this season.
Speaking of which, as the season progresses, Alex Cora’s team is tied for the eighth-best 2025 World Series chances (+2000) on DraftKings Sportsbook.
