Loyalty is a great quality to have, but then you have people like Jerry Reinsdorf who are loyal to a fault. You can say the same thing about José Abreu, who remains adamant about re-signing with the White Sox in the offseason.
A little more than a month before the end of 2019, Abreu says he’s been told by Reinsdorf that his wish will come true. But the chairman took it one step further, apparently telling Abreu that he won’t play for another team for the rest of his career.
“Jerry several times has told me and my family that I am not going to wear a jersey other than a White Sox jersey,” Abreu told the Sun-Times through a translator Wednesday. “I believe him. I believe in his word. And like I said, I’m very happy with and loyal to this organization. Hopefully everything is going to pan out.”
Bringing back Abreu wouldn’t be a terrible decision for the White Sox, but it certainly doesn’t seem like you should be guaranteeing these types of things. Plans change all the time. What if Abreu wants more money than what he’s offered? Then what?
Abreu collected a three-hit game during Wednesday’s series finale against the Twins and his recent surge at the plate has once again brought his numbers above average.
Abreu will be 33-years-old to begin the 2020 season and his leadership has been valued almost as much as his contributions on the field since he signed out of Cuba in 2014. So, yes, he will get another contract from the White Sox. Those talks are already happening.
Abreu can enter free agency after the season, but a multiyear extension is likely in the works. General manager Rick Hahn has indicated it would likely occur after the season while expressing the organization’s affection for Abreu and his value as a leader in the clubhouse. With young Cuban stars Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert carving niches into the organization, Abreu’s example of character and work ethic have been duly noted.
So, as the White Sox continue to slowly usher in their young talent, expect Abreu to be there, guiding them in the majors. For the rest of his career though? Well, Jerry says so and everyone knows if it’s up Jose it’ll be that way too.
“The real value of life,” he said. “Loyalty and honesty are those qualities. This organization made my mom’s dream and my dream come true. We are here, my family is here. I am who I am right now because of this organization, and for me that’s what matters. That comes from my family. They taught me that and it stood with me.”
