Wilyer Abreu has won three straight Gold Glove awards for his work in right field. The Boston Red Sox are lucky to have him patrolling the grass at Fenway Park, one of the toughest outfields in the league to defend.
Abreu had the award in the bag the moment he was named a finalist. He led all players with 28 defensive runs saved. He also logged two outs above average. Abreu's cannon of an arm (92nd percentile arm value, 98th percentile arm strength) has helped him make plays most other outfielders can only dream of.
Abreu netted his third Gold Glove in as many full MLB seasons. He did so during a career offefnsive year, during which he batted .248/.327/.446 with 24 home runs, the second-most on the Red Sox, and 38 doubles, the most in the American League.
The offensive surge and new hardware have cemented Abreu as one of the best players on the Red Sox's roster. Yet, Boston is desperate for more power in the lineup.
Third Gold Glove award raises Wilyer Abreu's trade value as the Red Sox must clear outfield logjam
Not only is this year's free agent class not very inspiring, but some of the best slugging options are outfielders. Randy Arozarena will hit the market and it's already been reported that Seiya Suzuki is popular among some of the Sox's front office. If Boston wants to sign either of them or trade for a slugging outfielder, it can't get away with the logjam it's had for so long.
Jarren Duran has lost most of his trade value in the last two years. He has only two years remaining on his contract, he's fresh off a career-worst offensive season, during which he was one of the worst qualified hitters in the league, and he's had more uncomfortable interactions with fans and media than most other active players.
As popular as he's grown in Boston, Abreu might be the best trade candidate the Red Sox have. His trade value has certainly never been higher, and the Red Sox have been eyeing some big fish on the market (like Elly De La Cruz, for example). Abreu could be a centerpiece in a trade for a much-needed slugger this offseason.
But the Red Sox need power and Abreu has brought it. Trading him for a different 25-ish homer bat is breaking even on power but sacrificing defensive skill. In order for a potential deal to suit Boston, it would need to swap Abreu for a true home run-hitter who can do more damage than the Red Sox have seen in years.
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