Should the Red Sox consider signing released Astros 1B Jose Abreu?

Should the Red Sox consider signing released Astros 1B Jose Abreu?

The Boston Red Sox have been struggling to find someone to replace the production lost by Triston Casas being on the injured list with torn cartilage in his rib.

They've tried Garrett Cooper, who was recently released, Dominic Smith and Bobby Dalbec, but none of them have been able to do the job consistently enough to help the Red Sox move above .500 for a stretch.

Now, a new option at the position has officially hit the market, as the Houston Astros have released a former American League MVP - first baseman Jose Abreu.

Should the Red Sox be interested?

Abreu, 37, spent the first nine years of his career with the Chicago White Sox, earning three Silver Slugger Awards, three All-Star nominations and American League MVP during his time on the South Side.

After the 2022 season, he signed a three-year contract with the Houston Astros, and he hasn't been the same player since.

In 35 games this year, Abreu has hit just .124 with a .361 OPS, as his power numbers have continued to drop. The guy who averaged 27 home runs per season during his time with Chicago has hit just two in 2024.

Abreu also hasn't been the best defensive throughout his career, making 80 errors at first base, including three this season.

Boston may be looking for another short-term fill-in until Casas comes back, and Abreu is someone they should look at to come in and do the job, but the Red Sox shouldn't expect him to return to MVP form. They should just hope that he'd be able to learn to use the Green Monster and do more than Smith, who's been their best option so far while hitting .216 with a .641 OPS.

However, that's far from guaranteed.