BOSTON, July 17 (Reuters) – Wilyer Abreu launched his second home run of the game, his 13th of the season, on Thursday, powering the Boston Red Sox to a decisive win over the New York Mets at Fenway Park.
Abreu’s two-run homer, his 12th, capped a three-hit performance. He now has hits in eight of his last 10 contests.
The 26-year-old outfielder is slashing .266 with 11 home runs, 43 RBI, 45 runs scored, and six stolen bases over 90 games entering Thursday.
The Two-Homer Game: A Defining Moment
Abreu’s second homer of the game (13) came on a 2-1 fastball from Mets reliever Drew Smith. The exit velocity was 107.3 mph, per MLB’s Statcast. The ball traveled 412 feet to right-center field.
His first homer of the night was a two-run shot (12) in the fifth inning off left-hander David Peterson. Both pitches were elevated fastballs in the strike zone.
The performance vaulted Abreu into a new tier of power production. He had only one multi-homer game prior to this season.
Building Momentum: Three Hits and a Win Over the Mets
On July 11, Abreu went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, one walk, two runs scored, and two RBI in a win over the same Mets team, according to FantasyPros.
That game was part of a stretch where he recorded hits in eight of his last 10 games entering Thursday.
FantasyPros analysis noted Abreu offers manager Chad Tracy a stable option in an inconsistent Red Sox lineup.
What the Power Surge Means for the Red Sox Lineup
The Red Sox have struggled offensively in 2026, ranking 18th in runs per game (4.3). Abreu’s production provides a reliable middle-order bat.
When compared to other Red Sox outfielders, Abreu’s home run total (13) trails only Jarren Duran (17) among primary outfielders.
Manager Chad Tracy said last week, “Abreu is showing he can be a cornerstone. He gives us protection in the middle of the order we haven’t had consistently.”
Future Outlook: Can Abreu Sustain This Pace?
FantasyPros projects Abreu to hit 22 home runs with 72 RBI for the remainder of the season.
His pitch recognition has improved significantly. His chase rate dropped from 31.2% in 2025 to 26.8% this season.
Home/away splits show a slight advantage at Fenway (.275 vs. .257), but his OPS is above .800 in both scenarios.
With Rafael Devers and Triston Casas hitting behind him in the lineup, RBI opportunities should increase.
Category: Game Recaps
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many home runs did Wilyer Abreu hit in his two-homer game?
- A: Abreu hit two home runs: a two-run shot in the fifth inning and another two-run homer in the later innings, bringing his season total to 13.
- Q: What does Abreu’s power surge mean for the Red Sox lineup?
- A: Abreu’s consistent hitting, including hits in eight of his last 10 games, provides a stable power option in an otherwise inconsistent Red Sox offense, potentially reshaping the lineup’s dynamics.
Extended Reading
For video of Abreu’s second homer (13), visit MLB.com: https://www.mlb.com/redsox/video/wilyer-abreu-homers-13-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-208c05
For FantasyPros analysis of his consistency: https://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/news/596060/wilyer-abreu-racks-up-three-hits-win-over-mets.php