There Is No Replacing What Jose Abreu Brought To The White Sox
Jose Abreu has been a staple of the White Sox lineup for nearly a decade. For the first time since 2013, he won’t find himself on their Opening Day lineup card. Abreu was one of the most prolific hitters in White Sox history as he attempted to lead them to a World Series. But after nine seasons, he will now be a part of the White Sox’s biggest obstacle in the American League.
On Monday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Jose Abreu signed a three-year deal with the Houston Astros, trading in the only uniform he had ever known for the defending World Series champions.
It is hard to blame Abreu. The White Sox practically kicked him to the curb, not even offering him an extension after nine exceptional years of service. Instead, he will earn $60 million dollars with a legitimate World Series contender.
The White Sox parting ways with Abreu was inevitable. The clock started ticking as soon as Rick Hahn selected Andrew Vaughn with the third overall pick of the 2019 MLB draft. That doesn’t make losing the face of the franchise any easier for White Sox fans.
On March 31st, 2014, a 27-year-old Abreu stepped into a major league batters box for the first time. It didn’t take him long to make an impression. The rookie from Cuba took the first pitch he saw and ripped it to right field for a double. Abreu hasn’t stopped hitting since.
Nine years, 243 home runs, 863 RBIs, and 1,445 hits later, Abreu has collected an American League Rookie of the Year Award, AL Most Valuable Player honor, and three Silver Silver Slugger Awards for his trophy case. He is one of the most productive hitters in White Sox history. Nobody on the South Side will ever wear the number 79 upon his retirement. The only thing missing from his trophy case was a World Series ring.
It wasn’t for lack of trying on Abreu’s end. While his home run and RBI numbers dipped, he still managed to post a career-high in doubles while simultaneously producing the lowest strikeout rate in 2022. His 183 hits were also the second most in the American League, while his .304 batting average led the White Sox. The rest of the team around him faltered.
Lineup protection (or lack thereof), injuries, and organizational dysfunction never stopped him from producing. Abreu is as durable as they come. If you wanted someone to set an example and play with his heart on his sleeve, look no further than Abreu. Jose was there when you needed a big hit. He made a name for himself in the clutch.
His play on the field was matched only by his impact off of it. Abreu helped recruit Luis Robert to the White Sox. When Eloy Jimenez first joined the team, his locker was placed next to Abreu’s. He is also universally respected by everyone he has played with.
“He’s so much of what makes this team, this team, and he’s done just amazing things on and off the field ever since I’ve been here and had the pleasure of being his teammate,” Lucas Giolito told reporters after the season.
Even his replacement had a similar sentiment.
“You just gotta watch him,” Andrew Vaughn said when asked about Abreu. “Watch what he does every day. It’s special, and it truly shows.”
The White Sox won’t have to wait long for a reunion. They will travel to Houston for Opening Day, where Pito will be waiting for them in the middle of a menacing Astros lineup. He will no longer have to be the leader in the clubhouse, carrying the bulk of heavy expectations like he did in Chicago. Battle-tested champions now surround him.
If not for Jerry Reinsdorf, the White Sox may have moved on from the 36-year-old even sooner. Back in October, Daryl Van Schouwen’s of the Chicago Sin-Times reported that the White Sox’s decision to re-sign Abreu the last time he reached free agency was made by Reinsdorf. Following the 2019 season, the front office “was not 100% behind” the idea of re-signing Abreu to a long-term deal. This was despite the fact that he was coming off his third All-Star season and led the league with 123 RBIs. He had also hit 25 plus home runs and produced 100+ RBIs in five of his first six seasons.
Reinsdorf decided to take it upon himself to put forth the $50MM offer to Abreu after the slugger had accepted a one-year, $17.8MM qualifying offer. Abreu rewarded Reinsdorf’s loyalty by slashing .289/.366/.489 with a 137 wRC+. In 2020 he took home the American League MVP award. Abreu followed that up by hitting 30 home runs in 2021, then led the team with a .304 batting average in 2022. Last season he also posted a career-low strikeout rate. It is arguably the best extension the White Sox have ever handed out.
Now the pressure shifts to Andrew Vaughn, who hopes to be the next great White Sox first baseman. He has some big shoes to fill. All he has to do is consistently produce 100 RBIs, be the most durable player on the roster and be a yearly Silver Slugger candidate. Andrew Vaughn is going to be a great player for a long time, and baseball is a business. But there is no replacing what Abreu provided.
Cleveland Guardians beat writer Paul Hoynes reported that the Guardians offered Abreu a three-year contract. He provided one last favor to the White Sox by staying out of the division. The Astros are getting a great player and an even better person in their clubhouse. He will be missed on the Southside.