Five potential landing spots for ex-Astros slugger Jose Abreu
Jose Abreu.
Amid a season of serious struggles, the Houston Astros made the bold decision to release Jose Abreu on Friday. From an on-field perspective, it makes sense. Abreu, the 2020 AL MVP with the White Sox, was hitting just .124 with two home runs and seven RBI.
From a financial standpoint, though, this is a bit of a shocker. The Astros are on the hook for slightly more than $30 million through 2025, meaning any of the other 29 major league teams can sign him for the remainder of 2024 for the prorated portion of the league minimum (currently around $425,000).
Who might be willing to roll the dice on the 37-year-old former All-Star? Here's a list of five candidates that could take a flier:
Texas Rangers
The defending World Series champs saw firsthand in the playoffs what a streaking Abreu can do. Texas has been hit by injury as hard as any team in the league, but it doesn't really have any reinforcements coming at first base. Nathaniel Lowe's lack of slug is proving to be a real issue. A low-cost flyer on Abreu could be beneficial, especially with a manager like Bruce Bochy who has a history of getting the most out of his roster.
New York Mets
This one is contingent on the Mets trading Pete Alonso. Steve Cohen is certainly not scared to spend money so he's not going to be looking for a cost-cutting move, but if the Metropolitans keep falling out of playoff contention, they'll likely have another clearance sale this summer and Alonso would be the centerpiece. Having a well-known replacement in place and hoping he can rediscover his swing again would make losing Alonso a little more palatable.
Miami Marlins
This team is awful and all of South Florida knows it. After trading Luis Arraez, the Marlins have gotten next to nothing from first or designated hitter, the two positions Abreu can handle. The Marlins fan base could use something to root for. Abreu, a Cuba native who did not play for his country's national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, would have legions of people show up to watch him play.
Seattle Mariners
The M's are in first place with a thoroughly underwhelming offense. They're getting All-Star first baseman Ty France back from a fractured heel soon, but DH Mitch Garver is hitting .177 and pretty much the rest of the bats have struggled. If anyone needs to see if an old masher still has something left, it's Seattle.
San Diego Padres
Do the Padres need Abreu? Probably not. Does AJ Preller care? Definitely not. San Diego's general manager tried to sign Abreu during the 2022 offseason but was outbid by Houston. When Preller is interested in a player, he never closes the door on him. Last year, he signed a struggling Gary Sanchez off the scrap heap and the Kraken was reborn in America's Finest City. It would surprise nobody if the Friars tried for a similar turnaround with Abreu.
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