As the offseason draws to a close, the Boston Red Sox have finally wrapped up their roster moves, but one recent ESPN mock trade proposal has left fans scratching their heads. The idea of swapping Wilyer Abreu for Brett Baty is not just a bad deal—it’s a glaring undervaluation of Abreu’s worth. Let’s break down why this trade concept falls flat and why Abreu is far more valuable than this proposal suggests.
The Red Sox front office has been busy reshaping the team, notably replacing Alex Bregman with Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin. Only time will tell if these moves pay off, but one thing is clear: trading Wilyer Abreu was never on the table, and for good reason. Abreu’s defensive prowess and power are unmatched in Boston’s current lineup, making him a cornerstone player rather than a trade chip.
ESPN’s Dave Schoenfield, in his article “MLB trade proposals that could shake up spring training” (https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47839105/mlb-2026-spring-training-trade-proposals-abreu-baty-paredes-abrams), suggested a straight swap of Abreu for the Mets’ Brett Baty. But here’s where it gets controversial: this proposal completely overlooks Abreu’s value, both on the field and in the long-term plans of the Red Sox.
Why is Abreu so invaluable? Let’s start with his defense. Abreu has won back-to-back Gold Gloves in Fenway’s notoriously challenging right field, a feat that speaks volumes about his skill. Last season, he posted +8 Outs Above Average (OAA), tying for second-best among MLB right fielders alongside Fernando Tatis Jr., and outperforming nearly every other player in the AL. Over the past two seasons, his +15 OAA is tied for the best in baseball. Defense like that doesn’t come around often, and it’s a key reason why trading him would be a mistake.
Offensively, Abreu took a massive leap last season. Despite missing time due to injury, he set career highs with 22 home runs, 69 RBIs, and a .786 OPS in just 115 games. At 24 years old, with four years of team control remaining, Abreu is entering his prime and is poised to be a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup for years to come.
Now, let’s talk about Brett Baty. While the 26-year-old offers left-handed hitting and infield versatility—splitting time between third and second base—his value pales in comparison to Abreu’s. Baty was a net-neutral defender last season and posted a 3.1 bWAR, which is solid but not exceptional. More importantly, the Red Sox already have plans for Marcelo Mayer at third base (https://bosoxinjection.com/red-soxs-reported-marcelo-mayer-preference-just-made-trade-plans-more-clear), making Baty’s positional versatility less appealing. His -1 OAA at second base last season further raises questions about his defensive reliability.
And this is the part most people miss: Abreu and Baty are not even in the same league when it comes to trade value. Abreu’s combination of elite defense, emerging power, and long-term potential makes him a player the Red Sox should be building around, not trading away. If Boston were to part with any of their outfielders, they’d need to receive a haul of significant value in return—not a one-for-one swap for a lesser player.
While the Red Sox do have an outfield surplus (https://bosoxinjection.com/jarren-duran-vs-wilyer-abreu-which-is-the-better-red-sox-trade-candidate), Abreu is the least likely candidate to be moved. His unique skill set and potential make him a perfect fit for the team’s future. So, why is ESPN even suggesting this trade? It’s a question that highlights the gap between armchair analysis and the realities of roster construction.
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: If Abreu is as valuable as we’ve outlined, should the Red Sox consider him untouchable in trade talks, or is there a scenario where his value could be maximized in a deal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
