MLB insider validates Red Sox fans' fears with trade buzz surrounding top rookie

The Boston Red Sox’s front office has stated that it will explore all possible avenues to improve the team this offseason.

Boston has plenty of needs it should meet to compete for the division title the front office has labeled as a goal. The Red Sox’s ownership is one of the wealthiest in MLB, but its recent reluctance to spend has forced management to be open to trading top prospects and controllable big league talent. Since their outfield is packed and the 2024 lineup featured a surplus of lefty hitters, the Sox’s lefty outfielders are at the forefront of trade proposals and discussions.

Right fielder Wilyer Abreu is a popular trade candidate after his excellent rookie season, for which he won a Gold Glove. Fenway Park’s right field is one of the toughest to defend in the league, and Abreu proved no one can do it better than himself. His quality campaign on both sides of the ball has some Sox fans feeling hesitant about trading the 25-year-old — if his rookie year was this good, Abreu may have an illustrious career ahead of him.

In one of his latest pieces for The Athletic, MLB insider Jim Bowden validated some of Red Sox Nation’s concerns about dishing Abreu this offseason. Yes, he’s young with years of team control remaining on his contract, and has already proven he can thrive in the majors, but Boston has a better outfielder waiting in the wings.

Jim Bowden assures Red Sox fans it’s safe to trade Wilyer Abreu with Roman Anthony on the way

Roman Anthony’s 3rd hit and 2nd RBI of the night 💪 pic.twitter.com/pRUV5e4smw

— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) September 18, 2024

Bowden credited Abreu for his hardware-worthy rookie season, but said the Sox can afford to trade him with Roman Anthony on the way to the roster. The 20-year-old is expected to debut in 2025 after a stellar season in the minor leagues.

Anthony slashed .291/.396/.498 over 119 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season, but his numbers with the WooSox are the main attraction. The outfielder batted .344/.463/.519 with a .982 OPS in 35 Triple-A games. He adjusted well to the highest level of play in the minor leagues, and his success helped him claim the title of Baseball America’s No. 1 overall prospect.

If the Red Sox didn’t have Anthony nearly major-league ready, just months from his debut, they would be more hesitant to trade Abreu. After Jarren Duran’s MVP-caliber season and Anthony’s 2024 performance, Boston’s outfield will be in great hands, even without Abreu’s rock-solid defense.