As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly exploring ways to strengthen their roster, particularly at first base. A growing topic of discussion involves possible moves centered around Wilyer Abreu, with speculation spurred by insights from Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.
Trade Rumors Involving Rays’ Yandy Díaz and Possible Pitching Additions
Speier highlighted that the Tampa Bay Rays might consider trading veteran slugger Yandy Díaz, who is performing well with a .294 batting average, .352 on-base percentage, and 15 home runs this season. Díaz is under contract through 2026, making him an attractive option for contenders. Speculation suggests Tampa Bay could package Díaz alongside a starting pitcher like Taj Bradley or Shane Baz to acquire a Red Sox outfielder, possibly Wilyer Abreu. However, multiple league sources describe such a trade as highly improbable due to divisional rivalry and postseason stakes.
Additional Orioles Player Mentioned Among Trade Candidates
The Baltimore Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn is another player drawing interest. Currently hitting .282/.378/.458, O’Hearn replaced Rafael Devers as the designated hitter at the AL All-Star game. With Baltimore likely to trade pending free agents, O’Hearn’s availability adds another layer to the potential moves unfolding.
Ryan O’Hearn of the (Baltimore Orioles) also bears watching, with Baltimore resigned to dealing pending free agents,
—Alex Speier, Boston Globe
Impact and Challenges of a Potential Multi-Player Deal
Acquiring Díaz would instantly improve Boston’s offense at first base, while including a starting pitcher in the deal could help address rotation needs. However, trading Wilyer Abreu, a key outfield asset, would come at a high price. Such a package could simplify the outfield situation while adding power batting and pitching depth. Nevertheless, the complexities of dealing within the division and competing for playoff spots make this ambitious trade an unlikely scenario according to league experts.
There have been rumblings that the Rays could consider dealing Yandy Díaz (.294/.352/.468 with 15 homers), and it’s endlessly fascinating to imagine a scenario in which Tampa Bay packages Díaz (who is signed through 2026) and a starting pitcher such as Taj Bradley or Shane Baz for a Sox outfielder such as Wilyer Abreu. But such a scenario is seen by multiple major league sources as extremely unlikely, with a deal of such magnitude seen as a near-impossibility for division rivals who are competing for a postseason berth.
—Alex Speier, Boston Globe
The Path Forward for the Red Sox at the Trade Deadline
While these discussions remain speculative, the Red Sox could make a significant impact if they successfully navigate a deal involving Wilyer Abreu and Yandy Díaz. Fans and analysts are advised to watch this developing story closely as the trade deadline nears, knowing that potential moves might reshape the team’s outlook for the remainder of the season.
If Speier says something, fans should listen. Even if it is just speculation at this time and he noted it is unlikely.
—Alex Speier, Boston Globe