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HOSTON — Among Red Sox greats, none is more revered than Dwight Evans, who earned a record eight gold gloves during his remarkable 19-year tenure as right fielder.

Happy 73rd birthday to Evans! He got the wonderful news that Red Sox rookie right fielder Wilyer Abreu had joined the club’s Rawlings Gold Glove Award-winning fraternity.

“I’m simply incredibly impressed by his rapid progress,” Evans expressed over the phone. Look at him, a rookie, taking home a Gold Glove. I’ve seen him grow and change. He’s changed right before our eyes.

Since center fielder Fred Lynn in 1975, no rookie from Boston has won a Gold Glove until Abreu.

Evans works extensively with the outfielders as a Sox Spring Training instructor. In 2023, he initially crossed paths with Abreu in the months following Boston’s deal for him from the Astros.

Compared to last year’s Spring Training, he’s come a long way. That man is a monster. He has excellent outfield instincts. A bit of a natural in that environment,” Evans remarked.

Abreu stands out from the crowd thanks to his strong arm and range, much like Evans did in the 1970s and 1980s.
In 2024, Abreu came up just short of the career-high 15 assists posted by Evans in three seasons (1975, ’76 and ’79), totaling nine. In the 1980s, Evans’ chances to throw out runners decreased as his reputation spread.

Evans, who keeps a close eye on the Red Sox each season, noticed it with Abreu last year.

The runners don’t even consider taking an extra-base hit when you have a solid arm, Evans said. Even for the third base coach, it’s a scary prospect. Coaches will hold out players like Abreu if a runner is on second base and the ball is hit to them. A lot of men will just wave them on.

People are starting to take notice of his arm and how he charges the ball when he’s on the field. He makes a strong charge at the ball, which is crucial, and he throws out of the outfield with the legwork of a seasoned outfielder.