Since making his MLB debut in 2023 Wilyer Abreu has established himself as one of the most promising all-around outfielders in baseball. But through three big league seasons there’s one thing the 26-year-old still hasn’t done, which is prove he can hit left-handed pitching.

Next year, the Red Sox hope that can change.

Speaking to reporters at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, both manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow indicated that they expect Abreu will get more opportunities against lefties in 2026.

Related Articles

MLB Draft Lottery: White Sox win top pick, Red Sox to select No. 20

Red Sox Rumors: Ketel Marte, Eugenio Suarez among club’s possible targets

Red Sox boss doesn’t expect two top stars to play in World Baseball Classic

Report: Top free agent expected to meet with Red Sox, other suitors Tuesday

MLB notes: Everything Red Sox fans need to know ahead of the Winter Meetings

“We have to see if they can do it, it’s about that time. Especially with Abreu,” Cora said. “If he can hit lefties and if he can hit for power and play defense the way he’s done the past few years, he can be the guy.”

“Wilyer is a really good player, we’ve seen the way he’s able to impact both sides of the ball and he’s earned the right to get some added runway versus left-handed pitching,” Breslow said. “We feel like it’s an adjustment he’s capable of making, and he’s got such a solid defensive floor that having him out there more often than not is going to help the overall efforts of the team.”

Already a two-time Gold Glove winner, Abreu set new career highs with 22 home runs and 69 RBI despite playing only 115 games in 2025. But the vast majority of Abreu’s damage offensively came against righties, with the left-handed hitter logging only 68 plate appearances against lefties while hitting one home run with a .676 OPS. He hit 21 homers with an .808 OPS in 349 plate appearances against righties.

Those continued career-long trends for Abreu. For his career the outfielder has posted a .589 OPS in 145 plate appearances against lefties compared to an .827 OPS in 804 plate appearances against righties.

Some of that discrepancy in playing time can be owed to the presence of Rob Refsnyder, who mashes lefties and has typically started against southpaw starters, but Abreu’s lack of production against lefties is among the reasons he’s been the odd man out instead of Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela.

But with more development and familiarity the Red Sox hope Abreu can take the next step and become an every day stalwart, which would help make Boston’s offense much more formidable even before the club makes any more outside additions.