Wilyer Abreu making the most of his opportunities in the majors

Photo Credit: Logan Riely/ Getty Images

As the 2023 season winds down, the Red Sox’s focus has shifted to the future. Over the last few weeks, they have faded out of the playoff picture and are last in the AL East. While they have struggled of late, there have been a few bright spots, such as the play of rookie Wilyer Abreu.

The Venezuelan native made his MLB debut on August 22 and has been on base machine. In 55 at-bats, Abreu has posted a .364 batting average and driven in ten runs. He has already recorded three multi-hit games, including a five-hit performance against the Orioles on September 9. The Red Sox offense has received an unexpected spark with Abreu in the lineup.

Additionally, the 24-year-old has shown some power with six extra-base hits. While the number may not jump off the page, it represents a quarter of his hits with the Red Sox. His power numbers should improve with experience.

Due to his success, Abreu has been hard to keep out of the lineup and impressed many in the organization, including Alex Cora.

“We knew about the strike zone, we knew about the compact swing, that’s where the league is going,” Cora said of Abreu back on Sept. 10 to the Boston Herald. “He’s able to go the other way, which is important, he’s a good baserunner. At the end we got two good players for Christian, I know at the beginning it didn’t look that way but they’re really good.”

With Abreu expected to get plenty of at-bats down the stretch, he will be looking to continue his play as he makes a case to be on the roster next season. He can impact the game in various ways, and his patient approach has translated well to the majors. Entering spring training, Abreu will most likely have to battle for a reserve spot, but his development is something Red Sox fans should watch closely.

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