Red Sox Eye 26-Year-Old as Potential 30-Home Run Slugger
Wilyer Abreu continued his hot start with a 385-foot two-run homer Sunday. The blast came in Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park and gave Boston a 2-0 lead in a 3-2 loss to the Reds.
The 26-year-old outfielder also delivered a game-tying home run with two outs in the ninth inning on Saturday. That game went 11 innings, and the Red Sox fell 6-5.
Early-season production
Through three games Abreu is 6-for-13 (.462). He has two home runs, two doubles and four RBIs.
He has scored twice and struck out only once. The small sample has raised eyebrows around the club.
Manager’s outlook and role
Alex Cora said the results look sustainable and praised Abreu’s swing awareness. He wants the team to give Abreu more opportunities, especially against left-handed pitching.
Boston plans to use Abreu more often versus southpaws. He started on Opening Day against lefty Andrew Abbott.
Matchups versus left-handers
Abreu doubled Sunday off Reds lefty reliever Brock Burke. That was one of his three hits in the game.
He is 2-for-5 against lefties in the first three contests. Abreu says he has worked on facing left-handed pitchers this off-season.
Approach and adjustments
The two-time Gold Glove winner says he feels under control at the plate. He has focused on using the whole field instead of always pulling the ball.
Abreu added that he is trying to stay through the middle and not open his front side early. He believes those adjustments help him both to drive the ball and to put it in play when needed.
Health and power ceiling
Last season Abreu was on pace for 30 home runs through the end of July. A left calf strain forced him to miss 30 late-season games.
He finished that year with 22 homers. The club and player now consider whether he can reach 30 home run power in 2026 if he stays healthy.
Abreu said he is not fixated on a number. He wants to maintain his current approach and availability, then let the season decide the outcome.
Reporting from Cincinnati by Filmogaz.com.
