The Houston Astros reportedly took one of the first big leaps in MLB free agency.
The Astros and slugger José Abreu agreed to a three-year contract, according to multiple reports. The first baseman spent his first nine years in the majors with the Chicago White Sox and won the MVP award in the pandemic-affected 2020 season.
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White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 22, 2022 in Chicago.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-USA Today Sports)
USA Today first reported that the Astros and Abreu were finalizing a deal and the length of the contract, while The Athletic reported that an agreement has been reached between the two parties.
The Astros won the 2022 World Series in six games over the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this month. The team was buoyed by the prowess of Yordan Alvarez, who was an AL MVP finalist this year, and Kyle Tucker, who hit 30 home runs this season.
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White Sox first baseman José Abreu smiles during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies in Chicago on September 14, 2022.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-USA Today Sports)
Adding Abreu to the lineup would make Houston that much more dangerous.
Chicago fell short of expectations this season, but Abreu was a big part of the offense and was in contention for a batting title for most of the season.
José Abreu watches from the White Sox dugout during the Minnesota Twins game at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on October 5, 2022.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-USA Today Sports)
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Abreu hit .304 with an .824 OPS in 157 games. He hit 15 home runs with 75 RBIs, but he’s proven to be more than capable of hitting home runs when he needs to. He has topped 30 or more home runs five times, including the 30 he hit in 2021.
