José Abreu could soon be joining a new team.
According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the first baseman has been drawing interest and could be nearing a deal with a Major League organization in the coming days. It is not yet known which clubs are currently targeting the veteran.
Abreu, 37, signed with the Senadores de San Juan last month to participate in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Intending to make an MLB comeback in 2025, the slugger has put up impressive numbers thus far. He is currently hitting .269 with a 1.038 OPS, leading the league in home runs (4), total bases (20) and RBI (10).
Jose Abreu now has 4 homers during the Puerto Rican winter league. pic.twitter.com/93QvwVuuTv
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 18, 2024
During his nine-year tenure on the South Side, Abreu was named an American League MVP, a three-time All-Star, and a three-time Silver Slugger Award recipient. An irreplaceable leader and staple of production in the White Sox lineup, the Cuban owned a career .292/.354/.506 slash with 243 home runs, 863 RBI, 697 runs, and a .860 OPS.
In a press conference with the White Sox before the 2022 season’s end, Abreu expressed his desire to continue playing and was interested in returning to Chicago. However, he said there had not been any talks with the front office and that he would take the offseason to rest and think about what comes next. This was a far cry from when he said he would “sign himself” before his free agency in 2019.
Abreu eventually signed a three-year, $58.5 million deal with Houston, which turned into a forgettable stint. The 2024 season alone was a complete disaster where he hit .124/.167/.195 in 35 games, resulting in getting optioned to Triple-A and later released midway through his second season.
Going into 2025, any club can sign Pito and owe him only the prorated league minimum for time spent on the big league roster. Though a complete resurgence appears unlikely, it wouldn’t be a bad flier for certain teams to take. Given his recent production in winter ball, it seems like Abreu will be getting his opportunity to make a resurgence.
We will be monitoring the situation and provide any updates as more develops.
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Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Two thought… 1) Wouldn’t break my heart to see him back with the Sox… and 2) have you noticed that Lenyn Sosa is the top hitter in the Venezuelan winter league this year?
Hope he has a good year and can end his career on a positive note.