With just six games left in the season, the Boston Red Sox are clinging to the second wild-card spot in the American League, just one game ahead of both the Cleveland Guardians and the Houston Astros, who sit at 84 wins apiece. Needless to say, Alex Cora's club has found itself in a nail-biting situation.
Importantly, the Red Sox own the head-to-head tiebreakers over both teams, giving them at least a buffer if the records end up even after Game 162. They've been struggling for the home stretch, going 9-9 in September, with much speculation that this can be a collapse. They needed somebody to help them, and they got that person back at the right time.
Red Sox RF Wilyer Abreu Must Make Final 6 Games Count
Veteran outfielder Wilyer Abreu has been one of the key players behind the Red Sox's success this season. His home run rate this year has skyrocketed from 3.4 per 100 at-bats in 2024 to 5.5 per 100 at-bats. He's become the power hitter that scouts had been hoping he would be when they acquired him in the Christian Vazquez trade with the Houston Astros back in 2022; however, he was out since the middle of August with a right-calf strain, which was originally ruled as "day-to-day".
After suffering setback after setback, Abreu finally returned to action on Sunday, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Now, he must make the next six games count to help improve Boston's outlook.
A 2024 Gold Glove winner, Abreu is the kind of player who, when healthy and locked in, can swing momentum in tight games. He's put his mark on the Louisville Slugger this year, cranking out 22 home runs with a .802 OPS, .250 batting average, and an OPS+ of 120.
These final six games are not a time for him to ease back in; they are make-or-break moments for him. Abreu should be starting, swinging freely, and making up for lost time while the margin for error still exists. Boston is counting on him to supply power and presence in their lineup. But there are risks.
Abreu has had a string of injury issues this season, either with his calf, ankle, or oblique. If he suffers another injury, the Red Sox's fragile lead could vanish in the blink of an eye.
Plus, there have been rumors around the team for a year and change about what they're going to do to solve that logjam in the outfield. As a relatively young and valuable player, Abreu could be in trade discussions if the front office believes that he can't make a full season. His occasional being injury-prone only adds complexity to his value.
Make no mistake: six games remain, and Boston's wild-card status hasn't been all on Abreu's absence. At the same time, his return was desperately needed to help solve the club's offensive struggles. If he contributes like he usually does, the Red Sox will have a much easier path towards a playoff berth.
But if he doesn't, the Red Sox will be scrambling, opening the door to a potential offseason trade.