Jose Abreu played for the Chicago White Sox from 2014 to 2022.
In those nine seasons, he was an authentic star and one of the most consistent sluggers of his time.
He had a .964 OPS and 36 homers in his debut season, and a rock-solid .824 OPS last year, in his age-35 campaign.
A lock for 25 homers and 100 RBI every year, Abreu had a knack for driving people in.
We should say “has” a knack: he is very much productive even at 36.
The Houston Astros gave him a multi-year deal early in free agency, to replace Yuli Gurriel as their first baseman.
White Sox fans will get to see him on Opening Day.
Watching him play with another uniform will hurt, though.
“White Sox GM Rick Hahn on seeing former White Sox star Jose Abreu on opening night playing for the Astros: ‘It’s like seeing Jordan in a Wizards uniform,’” MLB insider Bob Nightengale tweeted, quoting Chicago’s executive.
White Sox GM Rick Hahn on seeing former White Sox star Jose Abreu on opening night playing for the Astros: “It’s like seeing Jordan in a Wizards uniform’
—Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 29, 2023
Well, in this particular case, the White Sox had their chance to re-sign “Jordan” but instead saw him go play for an American League contender.
The White Sox let Abreu go despite the fact he is still productive and he is loved by fans.
His power production slipped in 2022, sure, as he hit 15 home runs.
But he was at 30 homers as recently as 2021 and won an MVP award in 2020.
Not only does Abreu help on the field – he finished with 3.9 Wins Above Replacement, his highest output since 2017 – but he also sells lots of jerseys and helps put people in the stadium’s seats.
He is a sensitive loss for the White Sox.
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