The chances of Jose Abreu playing on the Southside of Chicago are growing increasingly slim. But that doesn’t mean he will be leaving the city of Chicago. Abreu could trade in the only jersey he has ever known for Cubby blue next season.
MLB analyst Brice Levine believes Abreu has a better chance of playing with the Cubs next year than returning to the With Sox. Levine writes that “Abreu is high on the list of players the Cubs would like to add in free agency this offseason, according to multiple sources.”
Our @MLBBruceLevine says on Inside the Clubhouse that it’s the #Cubs not the #Sox who are more likely to sign Jose Abreu this off-season – could the Veteran 1B be heading to the North Side?
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— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) October 15, 2022
The pairing makes sense for both sides. Abreu loves playing in Chicago and wants to stay with the White Sox. Unfortunately for him, it appears the feeling is not mutual. After playing their talented former first-round pick, Andrew Vaughn, out of position for the past two seasons, the White Sox are ready to move him to his natural position at first base. Vaughn led the White Sox in home runs and RBIs last season. Abreu, who turns 36 in January, has spent the previous nine seasons on the South Side. However, his power numbers took a slight dip, which Levine says is a factor in why the White Sox are thinking of moving on.
If the White Sox opt not to resign him, why not just go across town? Abreu also has a history of hitting and putting up big numbers at Wrigley Field. In 2020 he hit a home run in three consecutive games at Wrigley Field, posting four home runs and nine RBIs during the series.
The Cubs showed some positive flashes near the second half of the 2022 season. They look to contend in 2023, and Abreu would help them accomplish that goal. The Cubs had a revolving door of mediocrity at first base. Their players combined to hit .233 with 14 home runs and a .636 OPS. Alfonso Rivas, PJ Higgins, Patrick Wisdom, David Bote, and Jared Young all saw time at first base.
Abreu hit more home runs than Bote, Higgins, Rivas, and Young combined. He also had more RBIs than the four combined and nine more than Patrick Wisdom.
Abreu’s resume speaks for itself. He won Rookie of the year in 2014, the American League MVP in 2020, and has hit at least 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in six of the past seven seasons. Not only does he provide an offensive upgrade for the Cubs, but he also brings a better glove with him. Abreu has quietly evolved into a solid defender. His range factor per game has ranked in the top four of American League first baseball from 2014-2020.
Abreu’s last deal was three years for $50 million. Given his age and a slight dip in production, the Cubs can sign him to an affordable short-term deal. Realistically a two-year $30 million deal with a club option could be enough to get the job done.
The Cubs better not let Wilson walk and sign this old guy. Actually no matter what happens with Wilson, they better not sign Abreu. No offense to him, but there’s got to be a better solution at first.
Hats of Mr. Abreu. Class act.