Houston Increases Their Chances To Win Another World Series, Signs Free Agent 1^st Baseman Jose Abreu

By Jordan Long

The Houston Astros are looking to defend their title in the 2023 season.    They have decided to sign one of the biggest names in free agency, first baseman Jose Abreu.  He agreed to a 3-year contract with the franchise.  The terms of the deal weren’t announced.

            Abreu spent the last 9 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, becoming one of the top 1^st basemen in the American League.  Last season Abreu hit .304 with 15 home runs.  The home runs were his least in a full season at the Major League Level. He was still able to smack the ball into the gap for extra base hits totaling  40 doubles.

            In his career, Abreu is a .292 hitter.  He has 243 home runs, 16 triples, 303 doubles, and 863 RBI’s. For his hitting, he has won 3 Silver Slugger Awards and was voted MVP of the American League in 2020.

            The White Sox went to the postseason twice.  In 7 postseason games for the White Sox, Abreu totaled 28 at bats with 9 hits, a batting average of .321.  He didn’t drive the ball as much in the postseason compared to the regular season with 1 home run and 1 double.

            Once the White Sox ended the season at 81-81, Abreu became a free agent.  He was free to sign with any team.  There were many teams linked to him including the Chicago Cubs since that would keep him in the Windy City.  Abreu decided it was best to go to Houston where he could win a World Series ring.

            The Astros were a surprise landing spot since they have so much talent on the team.  This includes Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Jeremy Pena.   Their first baseman, Yuli Gurriel, is a free agent.  It looked like they were going to re-sign him to keep the core intact.  Now it is possible that Gurriel could come back but he wouldn’t play 1^st base.  He might be placed at 2^nd or be the designated hitter. Abreu just insures they have a solid 1^st baseman.

            The Astros have certainly improved the lineup by adding Abreu.  The only problem with this contract is Abreu’s age.  He is going to turn 36 in January.  He will be 39 once the contract is up which is getting up in age for a baseball player.  His stats could start to decline.  For now, though, the Astros are primed for another long run in the MLB playoffs which they hope ends in back-to-back World Series championships.