The Houston Astros are currently finalizing a deal with free agent first baseman José Abreu for a term of three years. The deal is expected to pay $19.5 million per year, with a total of $58.5 million. Abreu is a three time All-Star, has won three Silver Sluggers, a Rookie of the Year award and the 2020 AL MVP. Just last season, he appeared in 157 games for the White Sox and hit .304/.378/.446 (133 OPS+) with 40 doubles, 15 homers, 75 RBI, 85 runs and 4.2 WAR.
For the Astros who won the 2022 World Series, upgrading from Yuli Gurriel who hit .236/.285/.371 to Abreu with 304/.378/.446 will fill a weak spot for them. Even better news for the Astros is that there will be a natural spot for Abreu slotted between lefty sluggers Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker.
As for the White Sox, Abreu’s career with them has ended with a .292 average and 134 OPS+. He collected 1,445 hits, 303 doubles, 243 home runs, 863 RBI, 697 runs and 31.9 WAR. Abreu also ranks sixth in career doubles, third in home runs, fifth in RBI, 10th in runs, 10th in hits and seventh in total bases.
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