Boston Red Sox fans have received some disappointing news regarding a key player on the team. Boston is already at the bottom of the American League East division after a slow start to the season. Despite many MLB experts, including ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, believing in the Red Sox in 2026, they have managed to win just four of their first 12 games.
One Boston player that has not disappointed so far, however, is outfielder Wilyer Abreu. The two-time Gold Glove winner is currently slashing .383/.408/.702 during the early stages of the campaign. He also currently leads MLB hitters with 33 total bases, and the American League in WAR (1.2) and total hits (18). While the Red Sox have a logjam in the outfield, Abreu has started all 12 games in right field.
The star’s continued success has raised concerns over his contract. While Abreu will not become a free agent until 2030, he is still on his rookie deal. Several teams across the league have recently opted to reward young players with massive, long-term contracts. The Pittsburgh Pirates become the latest club to make such a move. Pittsburgh gave top prospect Konnor Griffin a nine-year, $140 million extension even though the teen has limited experience.
With Griffin’s deal on his mind, WEEI’s Rob Bradford recently asked Abreu about his contract situation. According to the reporter, the outfielder admitted that he has not held any recent contract talks with the Red Sox. Boston fans did not exactly react positively to the news.
Boston Red Sox Fans Assume Wilyer Abreu’s Contract Extension is Next
GettyWilyer Abreu has been Boston’s best player so far in 2026.
The Boston Red Sox do have a history of extending young, reliable players under top exec Craig Breslow. In fact, Roman Anthony, Brayan Bello, Kristian Campbell, and Ceddanne Rafaela have all received new deals over the last few years. Anthony received an eight-year, $130 million contract just two months after his official MLB debut.
As NESN has recently pointed out, Jarren Duran could also be seen as a potential extension candidate for the Red Sox. Nevertheless, the fellow outfielder’s future in Boston is precarious. Duran has been linked with a trade away from the club for months now. The former MVP candidate is off to a rough start in the 2026 campaign as well.
Despite Abreu’s recent claims, the Red Sox have previously attempted to negotiate a long-term contract with the outfielder. The star told the Boston Globe in February that Boston wanted to discuss the situation with him in 2024. Abreu, however, told the outlet that it “wasn’t the right moment” to talk about an extension.
Red Sox Star’s Price Tag is Increasing by the Game
The star outfielder certainly appears to be betting on himself. And the move appears to be working out. After rejecting contract talks in 2024, Abreu finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and picked up his first Gold Glove. Assuming he continues to ascend, the right fielder will earn more money in his next contract than previously expected.
According to AP reporter Ronald Blum, Boston’s payroll to start 2026 is $194 million. Although not a small tally by any means, the figure currently ranks 12th among all MLB teams. Star pitcher Garret Crochet is the highest-paid player on the Red Sox after previously signing a six-year, $170 million deal ($28.3 million AAV) in 2025.
Red Sox Star Wilyer Abreu Announces Depressing Contract Update