Although the White Sox and first baseman Jose Abreu have made their affinity for one another known on many occasions, the club reportedly won’t offer the pending free agent a contract extension this season. Nevertheless, Abreu once again made it clear Monday his mission is to re-sign with the White Sox, as Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times relays. Asked if he’s confident a new deal will come together, Abreu declared: “Of course. Like I said before, if the team doesn’t sign me, I’m going to sign myself here.” Chicago’s on its way to its 11th straight season without a playoff berth, and the club has never even finished .500 since Abreu joined the fray entering 2014. But the 32-year-old explained to Van Schouwen the team’s capable of contending as early as 2020, expressing confidence that “the front office is going to make the move that will be the right move for us to move forward and to get to that final phase of this process.”
- As with Chicago and Abreu, there’s a great deal of fondness between the Royals and outfielder Alex Gordon. General manager Dayton Moore stated back in June he “couldn’t imagine” Gordon playing anywhere else. The soon-to-be 36-year-old took a similar tone over the weekend, telling Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports it’s KC or bust in 2020. “I’m not going to play anywhere else,” Gordon said. “If I play, it’s going to be for the Royals.” If Gordon does continue next season, he and the Royals will have to work out a new arrangement, as the team’s sure to decline its half of a $23MM mutual option in favor of a $4MM buyout.
- The Cardinals will recall center fielder Harrison Bader from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday and option outfielder Randy Arozarena, per Stu Durando and Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Manager Mike Shildt noted the Cardinals are “super proud” of Bader for the way he handled himself in the wake of his July 29 demotion. Bader had been a staple in St. Louis’ lineup for most of the year until the club sent him down, but he’s coming back as a result of a dominant offensive showing in the minors. Meanwhile, fellow Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill could start a rehab assignment with Memphis later in the week, according to Durando and Hummel. O’Neill has been on the IL since Aug. 3 with a left wrist strain.
- High-end Twins pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol leveled up over the weekend, moving from Double-A Pensacola to Triple-A Rochester. The 20-year-old right-hander is now on the doorstep of the majors, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get there this season, GM Thad Levine told Phil Miller of the Star Tribune. On the subject of a possible late-2019 major league call-up for Graterol, Levine said: “That idea may have been a little overstated. We’re not going to force anything. We would only promote someone if we thought he could genuinely contribute, [and that decision] has certainly not been made.” Graterol’s capable of pumping triple-digit heat, which ideally will help make him a prominent piece of the Twins’ bullpen into the fall.
Honestly, if Gordon isn’t ready to retire yet, and he wants a farewell tour year, why don’t the Royals just pick up his option. Yea it’s expensive, but its not like they’re just under the luxury tax line, nor are they going to be using the $23 million in free agency this winter. By the time they are ready to compete, that $23 million shouldn’t have too much bearing to their plans by then.
That’s not how business works.
I think he was just trolling.
No, I was serisous. But I do understand now. From a business perspective, I get it might not be such a great idea.
Or they could not pick up his option and pay him a minuscule salary(market value). The Royals have been beyond fair/generous with Mr. Gordon. A million to call him a Royal for life and wave his cap around that’s fine. But $23 million I’d have to take a fairly hard pass on that one
I’m sure a small market team that isn’t known for spending big views that the same way. They probably could pool that ~19 millionish dollars towards another year.
Doesn’t get on base enough to get 19m and is a liability in the field now. IMO, lucky to get 16m again, if that and consider the market currently playing in it could be worse.
People refuse to look at low walk guys and it’s an important consideration. This is another one of those guys who has to hit in order to get on base.
Liability in the field. Lol, the original poster should thank you for making a comment even more ridiculous than suggesting the Royals should pick up his option just to be nice. His OBP is like .340 which ain’t Joey Votto but it’s not terrible by any means.
I think Gordo comes back for like $8m or something and transitions to maybe half time as the season goes on and hopefully someone from the group of Brett Phillips, Jorge Bonifacio or Khalil Lee starts forcing their way on to the field more frequently.
Nice try, but Gordon has won six Gold Glove Awards, four Fielding Bible Awards, and a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award in MLB. He’s literally been the best defensive LF of the decade.
My mistake. No issues with Gordon.. Tho he isn’t really prone to take a walk either.. My issues are with Abreu, whom thought poster was responding to directly above 1 did.
Have always liked Gordon and found curious why his speed/hit/glove tools were discarded so easily as being over paid salary wise by the Marlins
John they’re talking about Alex and you’re talking about Dee. Clear disconnect. Article says nothing about Dee; but I suppose you didn’t read this one.
Fair well tours are for guys like Jeter and Big Papi. Alex Gordon is a good guy with a solid career, but definitely not worthy.
Fairwell you’re should be fired into the sun.
Tours lol
I guess he’s got his ring but wouldn’t he want to try and compete again? Can’t be too fun getting your teeth kicked in every night as a veteran on a rebuilding team.
He’s got $160m in his pocket and three kids under 5 at home. He’s content.
Probably depends on his personality. As you said, he has his ring and has made the all-star game multiple times. He may just be content mentoring the younger guys, watching them progress and playing in a place where him and his family are comfortable. At some point, especially with a family, it becomes about more than winning, money, etc. Also he grew up in the mid-west, went to college in the mid-west and has played his entire professional career their. Sounds like he is just happy where he is.
Arozarena didn’t even get a chance. Hope he’s back soon.
Bader bobblehead day on Thursday. Isn’t that cute? Let’s make sure Harrison Bourjos gets back up for that.
It has nothing to do with his bobblehead day. Look at his stats since he was sent down. You really need to come up with some new material btw. I don’t think anyone on this site whines as much as you …
It has EVERYTHING to do with his bobblehead. I’ve seen Bader’s stats in AAA. They’re the same as AROZARENA, only fewer at bats. I’ve also seen Bader in the majors not good. This could have easily waited until September 1st. I’ve never seen an apologist more than you on this site other than ThemeD. So GFY.
Cry some more little beeyatch
See my first comment and push harder.
His defense alone warrants his call up. If he hits that’s a bonus. But he’s one of the best defenders in the game today.
So was Bourjos. So is Billy Hamilton. It doesn’t warrant anything when you have capable players that can hold their own defensively AND CAN HIT as well. Keep that suck up in full pucker mode. We all know you think Mozeliak walks on water.
Not surprised to see the recall. Bader has been on fire in Memphis. Hard to know if it will transfer to MLB, but this move was expected. His power numbers dwarf Arozaren’s, who didn’t get much of a chance, but with Lane Thomas performing well, there wasn’t a lot of opportunities. Bader is a more polished defender, and base stealer, so it makes sense. I like Arozarena a lot, but with O’Neill on a rehab, and ready to return soon where is the room? Cards don’t make decisions based on bobblehead nights.
At this point, the Cardinals don’t even need Bader to hit. All they have to do is let the Cubs bullpen pitch the Cardinals to a division title.
I’m obviously kidding here, but I would also be lying if I said that I don’t enjoy watching the Cubs go into the eighth with a small lead.
Well, that escalated quickly.
After tonight’s game maybe now you kids will get an idea why Bader was recalled.
Bader shows good potential. I’d like to see what he can do. Nice to see s local kid as well make it.
Perksy, you would like to see what Bader can do? 685 at bats with an OPS+ 9% BELOW league average hasn’t shown you anything? How about 222 Ks to only 65 BBs? Has that not shown you anything?
A triple and 3 walks thus far tonight. Nice call, Nostradamus.
Your comment is awaiting moderation, because it’s so shortsighted.
That special move, Jose, will be to jettison your behind for your replacement. Sorry but that’s how cutthroat it’s gonna get.
Qualifying Offer (Abreu would be smart to accept) in the $18M+ range & potentially Rick Hahn rewards Abreu with an extension for being a Clubhouse Leader. Andrew Vaughn is the 1st Basemen of the future, and I sincerely doubt teams will pursue Abreu especially with draft pick compensation attached.
Even with hitters in the pipeline, White Sox need to add a high OBP professional hitter that works counts. Michael Brantley even if he was ahead of their timeline really fit their needs last offseason. Trade wise Robbie Grossman / Tommy Pham make sense. Or Hahn could swing big for Mookie Betts to really expedite the rebuild.
a White Sox article and the usual bootlickers are missing. Abreu’s OPS is trending downward consistently since entering the league. His OBP is abysmal just like Eloy Jimenez. Jose, there is no final phase to this dumpster fire process
@waltz
Sure there’s a “final phase to this dumpster fire process”: It’s called being a playoff hopeful next year, and being a WS contender starting in ’21.
Waltz, no need to be bitter, you’ve been able to enjoy watching the Sox struggle for 3 years with this rebuild (along with all those years before the rebuild), you had to know all good things come to an end. Maybe you’ll get lucky after ’26 and they will try another rebuild. Just kidding. That’s so mean of me to give you false hope like that.
You sound so much like your high school classmate, Dogbone. Keep trying, Waltz, fight the good fight.
Ouch!
Jon Jay batting cleanup is all you need to know about the dumpster fire Rick Hahn has built on the South Side.
You have a serious Jon Jay fetish, don’t you? Who cares where he hits, they’re rebuilding. He’ll be gone in a year or two.
Who cares where he hits? Maybe this is why the White Sox suck so long. Not only is their front office a bunch of morons, so are their fans. Once again tell me this. How long does this rebuild take?
How long does any rebuild take? C’mon, pull your head out of the sand. There’s a whole baseball world out there, full of best practices. Pick a first place team that’s not the Yankees or Dodgers, and do some research. It might make you feel better.
FYI. Rebuilds take 3-5 years. Chisox going into year 8 next year. I think you’re the one who needs to wake up. I don’t need research to figure this out, but apparently you and Rick Hahn didn’t get the memo.
Year 8? Is that some arbitrary number you pulled out of your keister?
The rebuild began when the Sox traded Sale to Boston in 2016. That would make this year 2, since the trade was made during the offseason (Dec).
Oh I’m sorry, I guess 2013-2016 was a solidly BUILT TEAM? You’re cute with your defense of team that resembles a dumpster fire. Keep responding. I love making you look like a fool.
2013-2016 they kept trying to win through retooling. The actual rebuild began December 2016 when they traded Sale amd Eaton. Take your meds and don’t cheer for them when they start winning you miserable fool.
Maybe another 10 years, and the Chisox ‘rebuild’ will take hold. No self respecting free agent would want anything to do with that franchise or ownership. Smoke and mirrors.
@Dogbone
You must be having a bad day. That’s some weak smack there, even by your low standards. Come on, you’re better than that.
As a way to encourage better smack on your part, I am going to once again give you a thumbs up. Because, you are worth it, Dogbone!
A quick one before I head in: I’d take Abreu at his word and offer him something in the neighborhood of 3-yr/$30MM and see if he bites. Obviously money is not an issue for Abreu anymore, otherwise he has the worst poker face/negotiating skills ever by a sports player. He’s made it abundantly clear he wants to be a part of the team, and even though his skills are slowly declining, he’s still putting up good power numbers. $10MM wouldn’t kill the Sox, even in his 3rd year, if his decline is that bad. And for those squeamish with 3 years, make the 3rd year an option year and see if he still bites.
OK, gotta go.
That would be dumb. 2 years max, hopefully only 1. By year 2 he’d be a DH, and they’re already going to be RH heavy.
I’d offer 2/22 million, with mutual option on second. Would maybe go up to 2/24.
Sheets, Collins, Mercedes and probably Vaughn should be ready to go by the end of next season. With those four and Eloy, who is still a potential DH/1B guy, they have too many people playing the position.
I would bet on Eloy playing RF before ever being a 1B or DH.
I know he needs some work, but from watching him everyday I think he needs to keep focused. He’s kinda sleepy out there in LF. His essential energy is way too powerful to have him holding down the fort.
@Rallyshirt
Exactly. Eloy’s defense isn’t great by any means and I don’t expect him to ever win a Gold Glove, but apparently people don’t expect his defense to ever improve. He’s only 22, he still has some time to improve upon his defense.
And I know we talked about Abreu the other day. I don’t get why everyone is in such a rush to either get rid of him or are scared to keep him more than a year. It’s not like he’s Adam Dunn for the Sox. Sure he hits in a lot of DP’s, doesn’t walk a lot, and his defense leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s at 27 HR, 92 RBI, and .273 BA, which could put him around 35 HR, 120 RBI, and .273 BA if he kept it up the last 38 games. I would certainly take those numbers, especially for a full-time DH once that happens over the next couple of years. I understand his numbers are in a slow decline, but it’s a slow decline, not fall off a cliff decline from his early years. His first year was his best year, but the rest of the years aren’t that far off each other. Unless you’re going to have Collins or one of the other 23 to 25-year-olds be the full time DH, I don’t see that much of an upgrade out in the market for the DH position. Look at who they’ve signed for DH over the last 10 years: Dunn, LaRoche, Alonso. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d take my chances over the next 3 years with Abreu, or like I said above, make the 3rd year an option year.
@priggs89
@maximumvelocity
After reading my post again with fresh eyes, I wasn’t trying to single you both out. Priggs89, I usually agree with what you say and maximumvelocity, I may not agree as much with you, but you have sound arguments and I respect your thinking even if I don’t agree.
You guys might not agree with what I said, and that’s fine. It’s a fine line with Abreu, he’s still putting up good power numbers though he’s been slowly declining, so I can see how the decline would scare people off, especially seeing how guys like Pujols and Miggy haven’t aged very well in regards to their play in their mid 30’s. It’s definitely a risk signing him for 3 years, but if a reasonable enough contract, could be worth the risk. None of us are Nostradamus, so who knows what he will be like in ’21 or ’22. Personally, I’d go with a 3-year deal IF it was a low enough deal, but that’s me. Obviously I wouldn’t do a 3-yr/$60MM+ deal. Now if the Sox went a different route and significantly upgraded from Abreu, by all means go that route. But I think keeping him at least the next couple years will help a lot of the younger guys, especially the Latin players.
C’mon guys cant we all just get along!! Everyobe always hating on the ChiSox… Lol listen, if the Royals abd the Cubs can win a WS in the same decade then there is always hope for ANYONE!!! Remember, there was a time when the best golfer was black and the best rapper was white… AT THE SAME TIME! The world is on full tilt and anything can happen!
Bader has 6 homers in his last 7 games. It’s time to bring him back for sure, and stop playing Edman in right
Yes, please bring up Bader because of this. We haven’t seen enough ML at bats of his. Let’s face it. Randy A. and his 8 at bats was truly a good measurement of what he can do. It’s all about the bobblehead. Nothing more. Nothing less. Not to mention Lane Thomas has done well too, but let’s bring up Bourjos 2.0.
Correct on the Bader power surge. And yes, Arozarena wasn’t given a fair chance. But Lane Thomas was performing well, so it is understandable. But absolutely no way Edman should be removed from the starting lineup. My guess is he slides over to third, while Carp sits. I have no idea what Bader has figured out in Memphis. Maybe he will be the same. If so, then he will sit quickly. But because of his awesome defense and speed, his recall makes sense. And Arozarena, Thomas and O’Neill will have opportunities September first.
At this point I kind of feel bad for white sox fans. Every year I hear the same thing…”next year when we’re competing and have a perennial playoff contender” and it just doesn’t come.
Ya just wanna pat em on the head and say “sure you will, just keep believing.” When you know it’s like that kid who’s still waiting on rover to get back from the “farm” or the husband who believes his best friend really is just helping his wife out in the middle of the day when he’s not around.
Just keep believing white sox fans. If you keep saying it maybe it will come true.
This is year 3 of a rebuild sure you’re not thinking of “wait til next year”, the Cubbies slogan for the last 100 years? Lol. Anyhow, if you want some inside on the Sox and the “rebuild” just go to mlb.com and check out the top article-7 Stars Born In 2019- There you will see Giolito and Moncada among the 7. But what does MLB.com know, right??? Add that to the breakout seasons of TA7 and McCann, the core is in place. Not to mention Eloy Jiménez who was stolen by Hahn from Theo and co. 22 Taters in 88 games AS A ROOKIE! You do the math. Oh and some guy Luis Robert in AAA who is a consensus top 3 prospect in baseball and absolutely destroying the baseball. Abreu is no dummy, he sees what’s happening here and wants to be a part of it. But, Nah I’m sure you ain’t tryin to hear that
Lol – you just proved my point. Cubs fans knew when they were down. White sox fans will be out of playoff contention and fans will argue they have the best team in the league because of all the stuff happening.
Just like machado was in the bag and they were ready to compete. Then a 180 from fans that they never wanted him because he was too much money and their young core was better.
Poor poor white sox fans. I remember the first year of this “rebuild” – they’re just restructuring and will really take the division next year because of it.
The Sox could lose every game in a season and their fans will be talking about the strategy behind it.
K.
Sox are just like Padres of national league . Padres have been in a rebuilt for 3 decades and still can’t play 500 baseball
So, they’re nothing like the Padres then. Thank you!
This is actually year 11 of what really translates as the rebuild of the rebuild of the rebuild. Here’s the problem with you Sox people—-you constantly compared yourself and set the standard as the Cubs. Newsflash, they don’t play in the same division, nor league.
All these “breakouts” and they are on pace for almost 75 wins—-probably about 20-25 less than the Astros, Yankees, Twins, Indians…..at what point do you see the Astros or Yankees fading in the next two or three years???
Eloy has 22 taters—-great—at this point of his career Bryant was on his way to a ROY and a year away from a championship.
Giolito, Anderson, Moncada—-it’s their fourth year in the majors—-at some point they have to produce. Two of the three were top of the top prospects in baseball—they should be pretty good. Now that they are born as stars in year four isn’t exactly newsworthy.
Face it, it’s not like the Sox their own place in baseball lore——I’m sure you have as many dead relatives as I that never saw a championship.
I thought having players leave their potential status and truly becoming high impact stars is precisely what you want to see in a rebuild?
“Eloy has 22 taters—-great—at this point of his career Bryant was on his way to a ROY and a year away from a championship.”
And Kyle Schwarber was being inducted into the Hall of Fame. What’s your point?
This is great stuff. You just said that Sox fans compare Sox players to Cubs players then basically said Eloy is not Chris Bryant. You’re argument collapsed on itself.
Year 3 of the rebuild, lol, hahaa, lol. Yeah sure, ok if you say so.
I’ll follow with a pat on the head.
@Dogbone
Going with the questioning of the number of years with the rebuild. That’s the Dogbone we know. It’s a lame and tired argument, but at least you’re consistently lame, so another thumbs up from me.
I see another one of your high school classmates showed up on here, Pablo. You have recruited very well, young grasshopper. Soon you can have your entire high school on here trolling in your mold–weak, lame posts. But a post’s a post. It’s all about quantity, not quality, right?
You should feel bad for the White Sox, only two World Series Championships in the last 110 years. Then you must also feel horribly awful for the Cubs who only had half as many.
Hahaha ^^^^^^THIS
So much stupidity in just 1 comment and nothing even remotely close to accurate. Must be a Cubs fan.
I know the Royals will decline the option for 2020 regardless if Alex decides to return. I can imagine a very small contract like maybe one year 5 million. has to be an uncertainty about left field for 2020, though. alex lives in kc full time (only goes to lincoln to see his mom or his wife’s parents) and his kids except for 2 year old joey lynn are in school full time.
Buy out Gordon’s option for $4 mil, offer $5 mil for 1 year, and let him know that his role will be as a backup outfielder/part-time designated hitter.
No way do you put a gold glover on the bench As a back up outfielder!
That would be like making Salvador Perez a back up catcher!
He is 36 and his defensive metrics have tanked this year. And he can’t hit very well.
He is at this point a 4th outfielder.
Abreu situation not complicated. Don’t extend QO b/c it’s a market overpay and hurts player. Use the unknown JR offseason budget to first go after veteran Starters that may be challenging to take their cash over instant contenders (lefty like Madbum or Keuchel), lefty bat for RF perhaps. After spending on attainable higher priorities, see what’s left and what his market value is.
The Sox are doing Jose a favor by letting him gauge his market value as a free agent. They will match any reasonable offer to keep him for another year or two.
I wouldn’t expect too many offers being made after his making the “I’ll just sign myself here” comment. I mean, there’s only so many hours in the day.
Alshon Jeffery said he wanted to stay with Bears, because he felt they could win a Super Bowl the next year.
The next year, he won a ring with the Eagles.
Saying you want to stay means nothing. If he gets a better offer, it’s an easy thing to back awAy from during an interview.
Jose Abreu wants to remain a White Sox, seemingly without regard to dollars. A grateful professional athlete sending a message to an organization that helped better his lot in life after defecting from Cuba. How refreshing!
Abreu deserves to follow in the footsteps of Mr. White Sox Minnie Minoso, finish his career as the current face of the franchise, continue as the teams official mentor to all their
young Hispanic players and become their next Cuban ambassador following his retirement.
All teams on the brink of transitioning from rebuilders to contenders need some accomplished veterans on their roster to help lead the way. I fully expect Abreu to be a White Sox in 2020 and beyond and also anticipate that the team will sign an impacting pitcher or two to help anchor a promising young pitching staff. James McCann will also return in 2020 in his final season as an arbitration eligible player. If he can finish 2019 healthy and productive I would expect the front office will attempt to lock up their All-Star catcher to a multiple year contract extension and allow him to be part of their core going forward.
Jose Abreu is a pro. Of course he going to said he wants to come back. If they don’t sign him. He’ll just sit back and wail for the offers. Just imagine what he do on the north side or in Fenway park It up to JR, who has the final say. ,
I could see him in Boston or new York. Think the Cubs are set at first for awhile
I think the only way the Cubs sniff in Abreu’s direction is if the NL ends up adopting the DH, which probably won’t happen for a few years anyway.
Man I never realized how stupid the majority of white sox fans were on this site. Go root for the Northsiders buncha whiners.
It’s the internet. They’re not White Sox fans.
The Cardinals won’t trade any prospects off for an impact bat or a #1 or #2 starting pitcher. Therefore they need to call all of those “no trade” prospects up and play then. Don’t let them rot in the minors when they have the ability. Such as Pham & Jose Martinez. And speaking of Martinez….. I bet the Cardinals wish they hadn’t made C. Martinez and Alex Reyes untouchable in trade talks year or so back. Probably could have gotten a bundle for the a couple of years ago!!! Can’t get a thing for them now. Reyes suffered from poor coaching and poor decision making during rehab. C. Martinez is I coach able… Period!!!
I meat to say Carlos Martinez has become uncoachable!!!!
lol