The Red Sox added a prospect on the rise in Wilyer Abreu
What Wilyer Abreu brings to the Red Sox system
With their first move of the trade deadline, the Red Sox dealt fan favorite Christian Vazquez to the Houston Astros. In the trade, Boston got two prospects back, including Wilyer Abreu. The twenty-three-year-old was one of the Astros top 30 prospects and adds depth to the Red Sox system.
In 411 plate appearances this season, Abreu is hitting .249 with 23 stolen bases. The Venezuelan native has appeared in a career-high 89 games and shown his potential offensively. While the season is far from over, he was climbing up the Astros prospects ranking prior to the trade.
Additionally, the Red Sox’s newest prospect is a patient hitter that is showing more power than in the past. So far this season, 39 of his 82 hits have gone for extra bases, which is a career-high. Abreu has also only drawn 78 walks. While his average is lower than last season, he is excelling in every other offensive category. However, his value does not only lie in his bat.
Defensively he can handle centerfield and tested highly on Houston’s athleticism measurements. While he has a bigger build than most centerfielders, Abreu has only committed eight errors in five minor league seasons. He has recorded 25 assists and turned three double plays in that span.
In Abreu, the Red Sox are getting a prospect who has been a breakout position player over the last two seasons. He has proven that he has value on both sides of the ball and the on-base ability to be an average player in the majors. His increase in power has been a welcoming sign, as 31 of his 33 career home runs have come since the start of 2021.
To begin his Red Sox career, Abreu was optioned to the Portland Seadogs. Boston will have to add Abreu to the 40-man roster in the coming months as he will be eligible for the rule five draft in the winter. However, he will be a player to watch as he looks to continue his breakout season and make a good first impression with his new organization.
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