Journeying to new fields, ex-American League MVP Jose Abreu has been let go by the Houston Astros, a move the organization confirmed this past Friday.
At age 37, Abreu’s performance has notably declined, with a batting average of only .124, contributing two home runs and seven runs batted in over 35 games this season.
Previously, the Astros had moved Abreu down to the Florida Complex League on April 30. After playing five games there and another two in Triple-A Sugar Land, he was brought back up to the main Astros roster on May 27.
These developments follow his substantial three-year contract with Houston, worth $58.5 million. Abreu is on the books for a hefty $19.5 million for this season, as well as the 2025 season.
Before the release, Astros General Manager Dana Brown hinted at a narrowing window of opportunity for Abreu.
“He will be covering first base in Triple-A; the specifics of that are up in the air as we’re in the midst of evaluating him,” Brown remarked during a radio discussion. “However, we are open to the idea of him playing if it suits us best; we are considering how to fit his hitting into the team lineup. We haven’t yet decided on giving him any major league games at first base, but I believe he will be a key part of our campaign at some point, whether it is at first base or another position, possibly left field.”
According to the Associated Press:
“Abreu started his MLB career with a splash, earning the AL Rookie of the Year title with the Chicago White Sox in 2014, and was selected for the All-Star team in 2014, 2018, and 2019. He secured the AL MVP title during the truncated 2020 season, hitting .317 with 19 home runs and 60 runs batted in across 60 games.
“In his 11-year stint, Abreu has managed a .283 batting average through 1,446 games, hammering 263 homers and racking up 960 RBIs with the White Sox (2014-22) and Astros. His 960 RBIs from his debut in 2014 to present are the highest in the AL over that period.”
