(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by Jarren Duran #16 after Abreu hit a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on August 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Boston Red Sox fans will never hear the end of Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran trade rumors.

A recent hypothetical trade pitch by Sports Illustrated’s Thomas Carelli features the Red Sox linking up with the Pittsburgh Pirates in a potential in-season trade that would send outfielder Wilyer Abreu to Pittsburgh in return for Mitch Keller.

“Despite their reputation, the Pirates project to be a decent team this season, and can contend for a Wild Card spot. The team has middling bats, featuring Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Marcell Ozuna. Ultimately, they are a less-than-stellar team for a pitcher like Keller to be on, lessening his win upside.”

Who Says No in the Potential Trade?

GettyBoston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu

The Red Sox haven’t shown any indication that they want to move on from Wilyer Abreu, and why would they? He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner with 20-home run upside and looks good in a Red Sox uniform. However, at the right time in the season, the Red Sox will have to decide on their outfield group.

Boston already has a solid lineup, but adding former All-Star Mitch Keller would be a good addition. He’s tied to a five-year, $77 million deal, but it only has a couple more years on it, and he’d slot in as the Red Sox’ fourth or fifth starter in the rotation.

He’s a proven arm that averages around 30 starts per season and 150 innings. Keller’s ERA has steadily hovered around the upper 3.00s or low-4.00s for the majority of his career.

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images Mitch Keller could be a target for the pitching-needy Boston Red Sox.

As for who might say no in this deal? Honestly, both sides would likely say no, but I’d say the Red Sox are more content with having Abreu be a mainstay of their lineup, whereas the Pirates might be more willing to listen to offers on Mitch Keller.

Wilyer Abreu’s Early Impact for the Red Sox in 2026

Although it’s been an early sample size in 2026, Wilyer Abreu is off to a strong start.

Over 13 at-bats this season, Abreu has six hits, two home runs, two doubles, and just one strikeout.

In 2025, Abreu hit 22 home runs and had an OPS+ north of 100 in all of his MLB seasons.

Pair that with his strong defense, and you have a very valuable player.

If the Red Sox were to even consider trading him, Boston might want to consider a much higher asking price for his productive services.