It’s been seven years since the Chicago Cubs run to the 2016 World Series, ending an epic 108 year drought since last winning the championship in 1908. While the team has struggled the last couple of years, the end of the 2022 season gives fans hope that it won’t be another century before adding another banner.
With some young pieces in place, both on the mound and at the plate, the Cubs, who are one of the MLB teams most followed by Iowans, are looking to add some impact players to their roster for the 2023 season. This might include south-side free agent first baseman, Jose Abreu.
For the past nine years, Abreu has spent his career with the crosstown Chicago White Sox organization, where he has been putting up MVP-worthy performances.
José Abreu deserves the world (and a 💍). pic.twitter.com/xr8jtk61ff
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 23, 2020
Jose Abreu Career Stats
Winning the American League MVP in 2020, the three-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger saw his production drop off this past season posting .304/.378/.466 numbers with just fifteen homers, the least in his nine-year career.
Regardless of his statistical slide, Abreu would be an improvement over the Cubs’ current options, as the team finished fourth, behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels, and Detroit Tigers in OPS at first base.
José Abreu of the @whitesox has 195 hits against the Tigers since he debuted in 2014.
That is the most hits by any MLB player against a single team in that time. pic.twitter.com/dk1ggHXMkr
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) September 16, 2022
What It Could Mean For The Cubs
Turning thirty-six in January 2023, Abreu isn’t the Cubs’ long-term answer at first base, but he could be a great piece to add as a bridge for twenty-four-year-old Matt Mervis.
While his offensive numbers weren’t earth-shattering, Abreu was considered by many to be in the conversation for top ten defensive first basemen.
This season the Cubs were 22nd overall in runs scored with 657 and they finished 19th overall with a team batting average of .238. Even with an off-year this season, Abreu’s numbers will significantly improve the Cubs’ offensive production.
After playing 128 games as a position player this season and twenty-nine as a designated hitter, Abreu has gotten a taste of life coming off the bench.
This could be the ideal role for Abreu and the Cubs as a means of career longevity. Given his accolades and with some fuel still left in the tank, Abreu could provide the Cubs with both clubhouse leadership and still help put butts in seats as the team looks to build for the future.
Jose Abreu is "High on the Cubs Wish List"https://t.co/0s5cT4t5mm pic.twitter.com/0ijusvyLn9
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) October 17, 2022
Financial Impact
The one glaring issue with the Cubs potentially adding Abreu to their roster is the financial impact it will have on the team. In 2022, Abreu earned $19 million, which given his status with the Chicago White Sox isn’t over-priced, but for the Cubs who appear unwilling to spend money on a young stud like Willson Contreras, it certainly doesn’t make sense.
If the two parties could agree on a one or two-year deal in the neighborhood of $14-15 million for next season and possibly a $5-6 million buyout option for the second year, it would help balance the books.
The Cubs finished fourteenth in league payroll this season, dishing out $146 million. Not all of that will be accounted for next season, leaving room to sign free agents to short contracts worth a significant amount of money.
Jose Abreu and the White Sox avoid arbitration by settling on a $16-million salary for 2019https://t.co/Zja8tzeamj pic.twitter.com/G7QKS6Iuhn
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) January 11, 2019
What It Could Mean For Abreu and the White Sox
Whether the White Sox let Abreu walk or decide at the last minute to re-sign him, they will most likely turn his position over to 2019 third-pick overall Andrew Vaughn.
With the revolving door of players who occupied first base for the Cubs last season, including Alfonso Rivas, Frank Schwindel and PJ Higgins, Abreu has the opportunity to easily take over the position, should the Cubs be serious about trying to contend in 2023. .
“The White Sox loved having Jose Abreu the past nine years, and he has been nothing but a class act and valuable hitter, but they plan to part ways with him, “ the USA Today Bob Nightengale stated, “Simply, they need to shake up their team.”
Unfortunately, the White Sox held on to Abreu longer than they probably should have, as they could have moved him for a prospect or two rather than letting him walk for peanuts.
Considering the payday that Abreu will command, even at his age, the Sox are still unlikely to sign the free agent to a significant contract (even out of loyalty), especially when the team failed to bring in any postseason revenue.
The only thing worse than Jose Abreu leaving the White Sox is Jose Abreu leaving the White Sox for the Cubs!
Please no. https://t.co/3kx77YN3hA
— Southside Showdown (@SoxShowdown) October 15, 2022
If Not Chicago Then Where?
Whether you are a Cubs fan or a White Sox supporter, odds are you still appreciate the resume of Jose Abreu and what he brings to the Windy City.
If he doesn’t remain in Chicago, there are still plenty of suitors for the first baseman / designated hitter, including the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, and Washington Guardians.
While there are a number of teams that are more than happy to add Jose Abreu to their roster, it seems like a natural fit that he remains in the only North American city he has lived in since defecting from Cuba in 2013.
Has Jose Abreu played his final game with the White Sox?
What it means if he stays and what it means if he leaves.
White Sox Talk Podcast with @RyanMcGuffey. 🎙🎧https://t.co/NZkLwcnL8Y pic.twitter.com/0D016JNmfI
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) October 18, 2022
Credits on Featured Image: MLB Twitter
