The Boston Red Sox are finally expected to be active in the free agency and trade markets this offseason. Despite chief baseball officer Craig Breslow saying no one is off the trade block, all eyes have been on rookie outfielder Wilyer Abreu.
The 25-year-old posted a great first season in a Red Sox uniform and earned a Gold Glove and Rookie of the Year votes afterward. But Boston's surplus of left-handed bats and pool of talented outfielders have Abreu as one of the club's clearest trade candidates. He also has years of control remaining on his contract and doesn't reach arbitration until 2027, meaning the Red Sox can likely secure top-tier talent for his lengthy deal.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi agrees that Abreu is an ideal trade candidate and that the Sox have plenty of young outfield depth that would make it safe to trade him while his value is high. Morosi mentioned the Mariners as a potential trade destination for the young Gold Glover. They have plenty of talent that could also help Boston.
Seattle posted the most strikeouts in the league last season with a staggering 1,625 punchouts. Abreu struck out a fair bit last year with 125 Ks in 132 games, but he should improve after his first full season in front of big league pitching. He could bring a bit more thump to the Mariners' lineup, though, as he collected 50 extra-base hits last season and led all rookies in doubles. Abreu batted .253/.322/.459 with a .781 OPS, two triples, 15 homers and 58 RBI last year.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi names Mariners as potential trade partner for Red Sox, Wilyer Abreu
Could the Red Sox trade Wilyer Abreu this offseason?@jonmorosi explains Boston's outfield depth and why the talented rookie could be viewed as a trade piece. pic.twitter.com/57ettci09D
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 20, 2024
Defense is the true highlight of Abreu's skillset, though. He and Julio Rodríguez could be a deadly defensive duo in the Mariners' outfield if they pursue a trade with Boston this winter. Abreu recently became the fifth-ever Red Sox right fielder to win a Gold Glove — Fenway Park boasts one of the most difficult right fields in the league — and he clocked 16 defensive runs saved between left and right field in 2024.
The Mariners' rotation owned the best ERA in the league last season and they have pitching talent to spare, which is exactly what the Red Sox need. Seattle has said it's unlikely to deal from its elite rotation this winter, but maybe a young outfielder with some hardware, along with a few other top Sox prospects, could change its mind.