After the Boston Red Sox failed to reunite with Alex Bregman just months after the Rafael Devers trade with a few other notable free agent and trade misses in the mix, fans and experts wondered where the team's home run power would come from.
Pete Alonso and Ketel Marte would've looked great in a Red Sox uniform and made excellent use of the Green Monster. Boston has already seen what Kyle Schwarber can bring from its 2021 run to the ALCS, but opted not to attempt a reunion. Maybe that's because it always knew where it would get it's jolt of power from.
After missing out on Bregman and signing Ranger Suárez instead, the Sox doubled-down on a run prevention approach, but they still think they have enough power bats in-house to make an impact. During a February 26 appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," Alex Cora name-dropped a player as the team's No. 1 slugger.
"I think the progression of the hitters is going to continue... Wilyer Abreu should hit at least 25 home runs again," Cora said.
Alex Cora comments show Red Sox have always seen Wilyer Abreu as their 2026 slugger
Abreu was the Red Sox's longtime home run leader last season until Trevor Story took over late in the year. The former finished the season with 22 bombs over 115 games.
The outfielder is reportedly confident in his own power. Abreu appeared on the same show on February 25 and said he hopes to reach 30 home runs this coming season, but doesn't want to put too much pressure on himself to meet a certain goal.
Abreu isn't the only player Cora expects to bring some thump to his lineup. He expects Roman Anthony and Willson Contreras to hit homers and Jarren Duran is looking more like his 2024 self — Cora said earlier this spring that he "seems like a different hitter," with increased pull-side power. Cora didn't mention him, but if Story can stay healthy enough to replicate his body of work from 2025, he could add another 20-25 long balls to Boston's total.
Abreu looks stronger than he did last year after a long offseason of work, during which he also won a home run derby against some of MLB's top talent. Boston plans to get Abreu more playing time this coming season by allowing him to face lefty pitchers. His playing time in previous years has been limited by injuries, which his improved fitness will hopefully prevent.
The Red Sox plan to lean on Abreu as a slugger, and he has the talent to become one, as long as he can post.