The Boston Red Sox have a history of outstanding right-fielders whose defensive prowess in managing the complicated defensive requirements of right field is coupled with the ability to be solid offensive contributors.
Jackie Jensen was a five-tool player who was the 1958 American League MVP — a power hitter from the right side with a cannon for an arm. Jensen was an early winner of that newfangled Gold Glove Award. Then we go to Trot Nixon, who was a member of the historic 2004 team and a real dirt dog. Mookie Betts needs no introduction, and his absence will forever be a mark of shame on Red Sox management.
Lastly, Dwight Evans is generally considered the template for right field at Fenway Park. Evans played 19 seasons in Boston, and some can manufacture an argument that the durable Evans and his righty bat should be in the Hall of Fame
Evans was a three-time All-Star and an eight-time Gold Glove winner, and twice a Silver Slugger. Evans could hit and take a walk, leading the AL three times in walks. Wilyer Abreu is on track to be a left-handed Evans.
Can Wilyer Abreu be the Red Sox's left-handed Dwight Evans?
During his Red Sox years, Evans was often an afterthought in discussions about the players, overshadowed by a long list of stars. In 1975, the emergence of Fred Lynn and Jim Rice took precedence along with Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, and Rico Petrocelli. Evans got lost in the shuffle. Abreu is in a similar situation.
The Red Sox have been on a signing spree of young players, with the latest being Roman Anthony. Abreu is not on the list so far, but certainly on the rumor mill.
Wilyer Abreu makes a PERFECT throw 💪 pic.twitter.com/YdzPLP8V6e
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2025
In 2024, Abreu was honored with a Gold Glove, a rare achievement for a rookie. Abreu also contributed with his bat, slamming 15 home runs and accounting for 58 RBI. This season, Abreu leads the club in home runs and is ranked as one of the best right fielders in the AL. But there is also a downside to his game.
Abreu is a streaky hitter, and with that comes the ability to carry an offense or kill it. We see the same from Trevor Story. Abreu's weakness against lefties is well noted, but manager Alex Cora has impact right-handed options. Abreu is also on track for another 100 whiff season, but in today's hitting environment, that is now acceptable.
Abreu is a valuable piece in trade talks, and that will not dissipate in offseason discussions. The 26-year-old Venezuela native will be sought after in any negotiations, and an offseason deal will not come as a shock, especially with Abreu's controllable years.
If Abreu stays, expect a steady stream of offensive seasons similar to what is being generated in 2025. That will be very Evans-like and hopefully with the same level of career consistency Evans displayed.