(670 The Score/SportsRadio 610) As expected, the Astros are addressing their need at first base by signing former AL MVP José Abreu, who had been the heart and soul of the Chicago White Sox for nearly a decade.
Abreu is finalizing a deal to join the reigning champion Astros, Audacy MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today first reported Monday afternoon. Abreu will now have the chance to compete for a championship and slot into a dangerous Astros lineup that had a hole at first base with Yuli Gurriel hitting free agency. Abreu is expected to sign a three-year deal, Nightengale reported.
Abreu, who will turn 36 in January, hit .304 with 15 homers, 75 RBIs and an .824 OPS in 157 games in 2022. He had spent his entire nine-year MLB career with the White Sox, who originally signed him to a six-year, $68-million deal ahead of the 2014 season after he defected from Cuba.
Abreu won the American League MVP award in the shortened 2020 season, when he hit .317 with 19 homers, 60 RBIs and a .987 OPS in 60 games. He has hit .292 with an .860 OPS for his career. He's a three-time All-Star, earning those honors in 2014, 2018 and 2019.
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