Red Sox Wilyer Abreu Trade Idea Lands All-Star Starter, New First Baseman
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The Boston Red Sox are returning from the All-Star break with a new lease on the season.
After bouncing back from a shocking trade of franchise slugger Rafael Devers, the team strung together a 10-game win streak heading into the break. Now, just ahead of the trade deadline, it looks like the front office will be looking to add some key pieces to fortify a playoff run.
"After riding a 10-game winning streak into the break, the Red Sox sure seem headed firmly toward buying mere weeks after offloading Rafael Devers," Zachary Rymer wrote for Bleacher Report. "Starting pitching is atop the list of items they need to address, and they're reportedly aiming as high as Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Ryan."
Though Ryan would be a formidable option alongside team ace Garrett Crochet, Rymer proposed a trade that would bring in a different reigning All-Star starter, along with a new first base option. He proposed a package of outfielder Wilyer Abreu and prospects Franklin Arias and Payton Tolle to the Washington Nationals in exchange for MacKenzie Gore and Nathaniel Lowe.
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 28: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland....
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 28: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by) More
Taetsch/Getty
"Should Boston pivot to Gore, it would be to a younger and arguably better pitcher," Rymer added. "He's what they need in a rotation that is a little too unstable behind Garrett Crochet, while Lowe would likewise stabilize a first base spot that remains unsettled months after Triston Casas' season-ending injury."
With the Nationals heading toward seller status, it seems Gore and Lowe could be on the trade block. And they would certainly answer some questions about the Red Sox roster as the team looks to make a playoff run.
However, the idea of dealing Abreu could be a non-starter. The Red Sox do have a logjam in the outfield, but Jarren Duran seems more likely as the odd man out. Abreu is a reigning Gold Glove Award winner and his defense in right field would be hard for the team to replace.
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