Wilyer Abreu, the Venezuelan outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, has quickly become a household name in MLB since his 2023 debut. Known for his powerful left-handed swing and defensive skills, Abreu won the 2024 AL Gold Glove Award for right field.
Off the field, he balances family life with his wife, Kelly Valera, and their three children, including twins born during 2025 spring training. With a career batting average of .263 and 17 home runs through 2024, Abreu’s journey from Maracaibo to Fenway Park is a story of grit and growth.
Wilyer Abreu’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wilyer David Abreu |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years |
| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Net Worth | ~$2.37 million |
| Salary | $800,000 |
| Career Earnings | $2.37 million |
| Wife | Kelly Valera |
| Social Media | Instagram: @kellydcvr |
Early Career
Wilyer Abreu began his professional baseball journey in 2017 when he signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent at the age of 18. His debut season was spent in the Dominican Summer League, where he showcased his potential as a contact hitter with a disciplined approach at the plate.
Over the next few years, Abreu steadily progressed through the Astros’ minor league system. By 2019, he reached Single-A Quad Cities, recording 10 home runs and 19 stolen bases, demonstrating his blend of power and speed.
In 2022, Abreu had a breakout season in Double-A, splitting time between the Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros) and Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) after being traded to Boston in exchange for catcher Christian Vázquez. That year, he hit a career-high 19 home runs and led all minor league players with 114 walks, highlighting his exceptional plate discipline. He also stole 31 bases, further proving his versatility as an all-around player.
Abreu’s performance earned him a spot in the Arizona Fall League later in 2022, where he faced tougher competition but struggled with a .167 batting average. Despite this, the Red Sox added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. His steady development and ability to adapt to higher levels of play laid the groundwork for his eventual promotion to MLB in 2023.
Professional Career
Wilyer Abreu made his MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox on August 22, 2023, against his former organization, the Houston Astros. In his first game, he impressed with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, immediately showcasing his hitting ability.
Abreu finished the 2023 season strong despite limited playing time, appearing in 28 games and posting a .316 batting average, two home runs, and 14 RBIs. His promising rookie campaign set the stage for a larger role in 2024.
In the 2024 season, Abreu became a full-time starter for the Red Sox, primarily playing right field. Over 132 games, he slashed .253/.322/.459 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 33 doubles, ranking among the league leaders in doubles.
His defensive skills shone brightly as he recorded 18 defensive runs saved, earning him the AL Gold Glove Award for right field and the prestigious Fielding Bible Award. These accolades underscored his value as both an offensive contributor and a defensive asset.
In 2025, Abreu continued to solidify his place in Boston’s lineup. On Opening Day, he delivered a career-defining performance by hitting two home runs, including a game-winning three-run shot in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers. This feat made him one of only seven players in Red Sox history to hit multiple home runs on Opening Day.
Despite battling a gastrointestinal virus during spring training that affected his preparation, Abreu remained a key player for Boston as they looked to rebuild around young talent. His combination of power, plate discipline, and elite defense has made him an integral part of the Red Sox roster and a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Wife
Wilyer Abreu is married to Kelly Valera, a Venezuelan fitness enthusiast who often shares glimpses of their life on social media. The couple tied the knot in 2022, marking a significant personal milestone for Abreu amidst his rising baseball career. Kelly has been supportive throughout his journey, often attending games and sharing updates about their family life.
In August 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Wilyer Andres, whose birth was celebrated with a unique gender reveal at Polar Park.
During spring training in 2025, Kelly gave birth to twins, expanding their family to five. The couple’s life is filled with the joy of parenthood and the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with Abreu’s demanding MLB schedule. Despite these challenges, they remain close-knit and supportive of each other, with Kelly frequently sharing moments from their family life on her Instagram account.
Wilyer Abreu’s Net Worth Details
Wilyer Abreu’s net worth is estimated to be $2.37 million as of 2025.
Contract
| Year | Team | Contract Type | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Houston Astros | Signing Bonus | N/A | $300,000 | $300,000 | Signed as International Free Agent |
| 2023 | Boston Red Sox | Pre-Arbitration | $720,000 | N/A | $720,000 | Active |
| 2024 | Boston Red Sox | Pre-Arbitration | $749,500 | N/A | $749,500 | Active |
| 2025 | Boston Red Sox | Pre-Arbitration | $800,000 | N/A | $800,000 | Active |
Endorsements
Wilyer Abreu has not secured any major endorsement deals or sponsorships. Despite his rising profile in MLB, including winning the 2024 AL Gold Glove Award and delivering standout performances, Abreu remains focused on his on-field contributions and has yet to be associated with commercial partnerships or advertising campaigns.
His lack of endorsements may be attributed to his status as a relatively new player in the league, but his growing reputation could open doors for future opportunities.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | BOS | 28 | 76 | 10 | 24 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 23 | 3 | .316 | .388 | .474 | .862 |
| 2024 | BOS | 132 | 399 | 59 | 101 | 33 | 2 | 15 | 58 | 40 | 125 | 8 | .253 | .322 | .459 | .781 |
| Career | BOS | 160 | 475 | 69 | 125 | 39 | 2 | 17 | 72 | 49 | 148 | 11 | .263 | .333 | .461 | .794 |
FAQs
1. Who is Wilyer Abreu?
Wilyer Abreu is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder for the Boston Red Sox in MLB. He debuted on August 22, 2023, and is known for his defensive skills and left-handed batting.
2. What are Wilyer Abreu’s career highlights?
Abreu won the 2024 AL Gold Glove Award for right field and was named the Fielding Bible Award winner. He also hit two home runs on Opening Day 2025, becoming the seventh Red Sox player to achieve this feat.
3. What is Wilyer Abreu’s current contract?
In 2025, Abreu signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox worth $800,000. This deal reflects his pre-arbitration status in MLB.
4. What are Wilyer Abreu’s MLB career stats?
As of 2025, Abreu has played 161 games with a .263 batting average, 17 home runs, 72 RBIs, and an OPS of .794. He excelled defensively with 18 defensive runs saved in 2024.
5. When did Wilyer Abreu turn professional?
Abreu signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent on July 2, 2017, at age 18. He began his career in the Dominican Summer League Astros rookie team.
6. Who is Wilyer Abreu’s wife?
Wilyer Abreu is married to Kelly Valera, a Venezuelan fitness enthusiast. They have three children: a son born in August 2023 and twins born during spring training in 2025.
7. What is Wilyer Abreu’s net worth?
Abreu’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $2.37 million, primarily earned through MLB salaries and signing bonuses since turning professional in 2017.
8. What are Wilyer Abreu’s minor league achievements?
In 2022, Abreu hit a career-high 19 home runs and recorded 114 walks in the minor leagues, ranking second among all players that year.
9. Does Wilyer Abreu have any hobbies outside baseball?
Abreu is skilled as a barber and owns a shop in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He started cutting hair during his minor league career and eventually opened his business with friends.
10. How many games did Wilyer Abreu play in his first full MLB season?
In the 2024 season, Abreu played 132 games for the Boston Red Sox, batting .253 with 15 home runs and earning his first Gold Glove Award for right field defense.
