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Red Sox Predicted to Cut Ties With Fan Favorite Star After Rafael Devers' Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 11:00 PM ET

If the Boston Red Sox just showed anything when they moved Rafael Devers, it was that the front office isn't done. Whether they aim to improve at the deadline or consider moving other players, nothing is off the table for now.

There's a good chance that the Red Sox could look to buy and sell some, a decision that makes sense depending on how things play out.

Ultimately, this appears to be a lost season for the Red Sox, regardless of what the front office would like to say. Whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but the Red Sox would likely be better off going with a youth movement now and trying to get their youngsters as many at-bats as possible.

That could be the case, and if it is, it might require them to move on from an outfielder. One outfielder whose name has continued to pop up in rumors is Wilyer Abreu, who played like one of the better players in baseball throughout the early parts of the campaign.

“Do they move Jarren Duran -- one of their top performers -- for pitching help at the deadline? The outfield is crowded, and that scenario isn't off the table. Could Wilyer Abreu be part of a deal? With the Devers chapter closing, the front office has decisions to make. At least one more arm and an additional bat may be necessary to stay in the race,” CBS Sports wrote.

Abreu proved to be an above-average player early on, and while he's slowed down a bit, hitting .245, he’s still been excellent, hitting 13 home runs and posting a 119 OPS+.

He doesn't hit free agency until 2030, giving the Red Sox even less of a reason to move on from him.

After the Devers’ decision, who knows what's next for Boston?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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