Muristek
Jose Abreu, right, celebrates with coach Joe McEwing after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros in Chicago, Saturday, July 17, 2021. (AP)
AP Photos
First baseman Jose Abreu’s time on the South Side is officially over.
The White Sox slugger, who had played his entire nine-year career in Chicago since signing out of Cuba before the 2014 season, is reportedly in agreement on a deal with the World Series champion Houston Astros.
It had become increasingly apparent since the end of the season that the Sox were prepared to part ways with Abreu, 35, and move on with Andrew Vaughn moving from the outfield to his customary position. Vaughn was drafted as a first baseman with the first pick in the 2019 draft as a first baseman. The Sox also have numerous designated hitter options, including Eloy Jimenez and Yasmani Grandal.
In losing Abreu, the Sox say goodbye to one of their most productive hitters of all time. He batted .292/.354/.506 with 243 homers and 863 RBI in a Sox uniform.
Abreu had six seasons with 25 or more home runs but slipped to 15 this season while batting .304/.378/.446. He signed a six-year, $68 million contract to leave Cuba for the Sox and just completed the third year of a $50 million contract.
For the Astros, Abreu’s signing brings an end to Yuli Gurriel’s tenure as their full-time first baseman.