I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of being right. Although, I could be wrong just as quickly as I’m right, but it’s more fun to stick with the “I told you so” narrative. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal agrees with my suspicions that Jose Abreu will remain in a White Sox uniform for the foreseeable future.
Back on Nov. 13, I wrote:
“Abreu…is the nucleus of a withering roster. He was the centerpiece of a presentation to land heralded Cuban-prospect Luis Robert and serves as a mentor for a blooming Yoan Moncada. It would be silly to ignore an enormous offer for the slugger, the charge to snuff out intangible factors like leadership skills and clubhouse chemistry led by SABR gurus wielding excel sheets and algorithms should be dispensed with in discussing Abreu’s value. Abreu is much more than a thumping first baseman and he means more to White Sox fans than can be tabulated on a balance sheet.”
On Thursday, Rosenthal struck a tone very similar to mine, writing:
“Barring an unexpected turn, the Chicago White Sox are unlikely to trade first baseman Jose Abreu to the Boston Red Sox or any other club. The White Sox, knowing Abreu’s importance in the clubhouse as an example for their young players, figure to value hi more than prospective suitors who see only his on-field performance.”
While I admit my statement offers a caveat in acknowledging an over-the-moon offer, Rosenthal and I agree that Abreu provides more than just offensive production. His clubhouse leadership is difficult to ignore despite the growing chorus of pundits who dismiss clubhouse chemistry and intangible value – probably because they can’t measure either.
Still, don’t take Rosenthal’s stance as gospel. He does not cite any sources; simply calls on years of experience and understanding how trade markets work. Rosenthal also points out that Abreu was statistically (fWAR) even with Eric Hosmer while eclipsing elite competition including Anthony Rizzo, Cody Bellinger, Ryan Zimmerman and Carlos Santana.
Both Rosenthal and I agree one more thing: The White Sox are interested in younger talent, not Jackie Bradley Jr.
Here is what I wrote on Nov. 27:
“Let’s put a bow on this rumor right now; Jackie Bradley Junior won’t be traded to the White Sox this offseason. Not because the Red Sox don’t have interest in Jose Abreu or the White Sox have shown interest in the all-star centerfielder before, but rather Bradley Jr. doesn’t fit the South Siders timeline and needs.”
And Rosenthal writes:
“A Red Sox package headed by center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. would not make sense for the rebuilding White Sox, not when Bradley is under control for only three more seasons. The White Sox want younger players, and the Red Sox might not be a match in that regard…”
Later in my article, I point out similar feelings on why the Red Sox and White Sox don’t match up in a trade, but I also believe the Red Sox might bet the farm for Abreu if they can’t snatch Giancarlo Stanton or another power-bat.
Don’t burn your Abreu jerseys yet. He is adored on the south side of Chicago and many would love to see him retire in a White Sox uniform with gleaming world-series rings lining his hands
