Why Red Sox’s Wilyer Abreu Deserves 2024 Gold Glove Award

Wilyer Abreu played through his first full MLB season with the Boston Red Sox in 2024, showing the skillset that should allow him to be an everyday player for years to come.

Abreu offers a capable left-handed bat and further displayed an intriguing defensive profile in right field for the Red Sox. That earned him a nomination for an American League Gold Glove award for the first time in his career. He competes for the accolade with New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell.

Here’s how the Red Sox outfielder stacks up against his American League competition:

Wilyer Abreu (RF)
2024 Defense: 212 putouts, nine outfield assists, seven errors, 6.3 UZR, 18 defensive runs saved, seven outs above average

Juan Soto (RF)
2024 Defense: 212 putouts, nine outfield assists, two errors, -6.3 UZR, minus-one defensive runs saved, -13 outs above average

Jo Adell (RF)
2024 Defense: 228 putouts, three outfield assists, four errors, 1.9 UZR, six defensive runs saved, one out above average

The underlying metrics favor Abreu and his arm stands out around the game. He will compete with Soto’s star power, though Abreu’s out conversion stands above his competitors.

As an added bonus for flare, Abreu is no stranger to a highlight play in right field.

Abreu has the endorsement of Red Sox manager Alex Cora, and his production speaks for itself. Will it be enough to earn his first career Gold Glove?

The awards will be announced on ESPN on Nov. 3.