The Astros have found their new first baseman, announcing agreement Monday evening on a three-year deal with José Abreu. He’ll reportedly receive $19.5MM per season, bringing the total to $58.5MM. The salary will be paid out evenly, and the deal also contains various incentives based upon awards voting and All-Star appearances. Abreu is represented by ISE Baseball.
Abreu, 36 in January, has spent his entire big league career with the White Sox thus far, but it seemed likely as the season was winding down that they were ready to let him switch jerseys in 2023. With many other first base/designated hitter candidates on the roster, such as Andrew Vaughn and Eloy Jimenez, the thinking was that they would let Abreu walk and dedicate their resources elsewhere, which now appears to have come to pass.
Though the Sox were apparently willing to let him walk away, he continues to have excellent results at the plate. In 2022, he seemingly gave up a bit of power for a more contact-oriented approach, but still to great effect. His 15 home runs were the lowest of his career but so was his 16.2% strikeout rate. The result was a .304/.378/.446 batting line that was 37% better than league average, as evidenced by his 137 wRC+.
That was his ninth MLB season, with Abreu posting a wRC+ of 114 or higher in each of them. He got as high as 164 in 2020, winning Most Valuable Player in the American League in that shortened season. Despite the downturn in power this year, he’s been one of the best hitters in the league over the past decade or so. Since his debut in 2014, he has a 139 wRC+ for his career, with only 11 hitters posting a higher such number in that timeframe. Given his generally solid work at the plate but relatively older age, MLBTR predicted him to secure a contract of $40MM over two years, or $20MM per season. He was ineligible to receive a qualifying offer since he had already been given one earlier in his career.
The Astros were excellent in 2022, winning 106 regular season games and then storming through the playoffs to their second World Series title. First base was actually one of the few weak spots on the roster, as Yuli Gurriel suffered through a down year at the plate. After hitting .319/.383/.462 in 2021, he slumped down to .242/.288/.360 this year. The club acquired Trey Mancini at the deadline to try to bolster the position but it didn’t really work out as he hit just .176/.258/.364 after the deal. Both players reached free agency at season’s end, leaving a vacancy for Abreu to step into. This signing potentially brings Gurriel’s tenure in Houston to an end after seven seasons, unless he’s willing to return in a lesser role as a pinch hitter and occasional designated hitter.
The Astros recently parted ways with general manager James Click amid reported disagreements between him and owner Jim Crane. It seems Crane is in no rush to replace Click, taking over the baseball decisions and seemingly content to continue doing so into the new year. Despite the unusual front office situation, they’ve continued to be quite active, re-signing reliever Rafael Montero and now adding Abreu, both on three-year deals.
Turning to the financials, the Astros currently have a 2023 payroll around $163MM and a competitive balance tax figure around $178MM, per Roster Resource. Their Opening Day payroll figure was $175MM last year and $188MM in 2021, per Cot’s Baseball Contracts. Assuming Abreu’s contract is in the predicted range of about $20MM per season, that would push their payroll up above $180MM and their CBT number close to $200MM. Though they’re getting close to their previous highs in spending, it stands to reason that they can push it a little bit this winter on the heels of a Championship run and all the extra revenues that go along with that. As for the CBT, the lowest threshold for 2023 will be $233MM, leaving them with plenty of remaining space even if they plan on avoiding going over.
For the White Sox, this marks the end of an era that lasted almost a decade. Vaughn is a natural first baseman whose attempts to move to the outfield went poorly. He produced -16 Outs Above Average on the grass in 2022, the lowest mark of any outfielder in the league this year. His -10.5 Ultimate Zone Rating was also the lowest for an MLB outfielder on the season while his -14 Defensive Runs Saved was among the bottom five. However, he hit .273/.323/.433, producing a wRC+ of 115 while just 24 years old. The Sox surely hope that he can produce even better results as he continues to acclimate to MLB pitching, especially without having to bother with worrying about his outfield defense in the future. Nonetheless, the club will be looking to improve on an 81-81 season while letting their best hitter depart, which won’t be an easy task.
For the Astros, their lineup was already extremely potent, featuring the likes of Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker. They’ve now added one of the best hitters in the league as they look to defend their World Series title in the year to come.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today first reported that Abreu and the Astros were finalizing a deal, as well as the three-year term (Twitter links). Jon Heyman of The New York Post first relayed that the salary would be around $20MM per season. Mark Berman of Fox 26 reported that it would actually be $19.5MM per year. Heyman was first with the specific salary structure.
Image courtesy USA Today Sports.
wtf
Yeah, a team with a clear need at first base and a desire to compete signing one of the top 1B options on the market.
It is a puzzler.
Paying a 1B 20M AAV for ages 36-38 seasons is a bit puzzling, especially in lieu of Rizzo (3 years younger) – and arguably the 2nd best 1B option – inking a 2/$40M contract. Yes, Abreu was better even in 2022, but enough to get an addt year and $20M?
Rizzo has a bad back so that on paper age doesn’t mean a whole lot to me.
The Astros have made 2 moves this off-season that aren’t what I expect from them. Resigning montero and now giving out this deal to Abreu.
We’ll see how this works out but Breg and Altuve are only together for 2 more years guaranteed.
Way to keep him in line Pickletoes! Can’t have people veering off course like that!!
Thats the cost of doing business in free agency. Is this contract risky? Sure. But its 3 years not 13 or 14. There’s only so many upgrades to go around and Crane just got a massive one. The guy is dead set on going back to back already.
Astros, are you going to be upgrading your handle to “&22” champs??
Sure, but also note that both signings are unequivocal overpays in Montero/Abreu from what is being predicted. I’d wonder who was at the wheel based on these deals, and without a GM, I think we know.
I think i kind of have to dont i? Good advice trumbo
That’s misinformation though. Jim Crane has been at the forefront of Astros expenditures for years now. He lets his baseball people do the baseball stuff but he is really big on contracts. Crane will spend money but its going to be smart. He will overpay on aav but not years.
Yes, Abreu is a class act!
Agreed, the question though is does he put mustard on hard boiled eggs? Hard to see shelling out 20M x 3 for a guy who does that.
It makes him worth more! It means he is cultured and has a refined palate.
Now he’s playing for a winning team that can protect him in the lineup. Hope he gets a ring!
But Abreu is clearly the better hitter, and fit for the Astros. If two out of the three years are similar to what he did in 2022 that’ll be good enough.
@RunDMC
Abreu is leaps and bounds better than Rizzo. Hardly a comparison. Plus Rizzo wanted to stay in NY and didn’t test the free agent market.
They will not be. The last full season Abreu had a 350 babip was 2014.
@RunDMC I’m assuming it’s because Abreu’s durability is far better than Rizzo’s, and he’s been much better by rWAR (10.2 to 5.1) over the past three seasons.
Rizzo’s just a 2 win 1Bman, barely, with declining defense, whereas Abreu had a superb 2020 and an upward bounce to 4 WAR in 2022. Abreu’s good enough to project to warrant playing time or at least DH usefully in the last of his three years, while Rizzo’s probably less likely to do so in the last of his two years.
Rizzo was the bigger star, of course, but that’s all gone, while Abreu remains very close to his career performance rates.
Player, OPS+ career, 2020-22
Rizzo, 131, 118
Abrea, 134, 135
Abreu hit .300 and doesn’t cost a draft pick, and the Astros are paying him less AAV than Rizzo. Not shocking.
Rizzo was a bigger star? I’d think Abreu’s MVP might have something to say about that
Batting average. Ew.
Batting average is important.
@Dennis Boyd have mom explain what it means to generalize. She can also explain the difference between excelling in a 60-game season versus Rizzo’s rep as one of the game’s big stars averaging 6 WAR seasons from age 24 to 26.
Abreau’s job at the third or fourth spot in the lineup was to drive in runs. He did that every year until this season. Instead of his usual 100+ r I, he hit for average. While hitting a little above .300, he had his worst power numbers of his career. Vaughn led the team in hr and rbi and is only going to get better.While I don’t know who’s going to replace his production – even Abreau’s reduced no.’s – I’ll miss him. Here’s a guy who wanted to play for the Sox. I loved that kind of loyalty. I’m glad he landed with a team like. the Astros. I hope he gets a ring next season.
@Run
I agree both deals were overpays. I was expecting to let Montero walk and would have been ok with it as I think that last season was the best he’s ever going to be. I was hoping to get Abreu for 2 years at 30-35 million. I could see him having a Yuli-esc drop off. Third year shouldnt have been guaranteed.
Jack, why you bringing family into this? I’d guess from your immature comment that you’re younger than my kids, but If I were to ask my mom about generalization, she’d be against it, like I am. But your generalization is not only silly it is also inaccurate. It’s debatable that Rizzo is a bigger star, but then you add the ‘of course’. This is a logical fallacy.
Here’s an article comparing them somewhat equally (slightly favors Abreu). This was before Abreu’s MVP season which you have immaturely discounted: dawindycity.com/2018/04/24/chicago-jose-abreu-anth…
I’d suggest they are and were both big stars, despite your Rizzo fanboy status.
itsgonnahappen;
If Montero walks and Ryan Pressly goes down with an injury during the season….who closes for the Astros?
People forget that the majority of a player’s OBP comes from his batting average
Bryan Abreu closes. Simple.
Samuel:
Liam Hendriks or Astros can have Graveman back.
Both available.
#1WhiteSoxFan;
That would be fine if the Astros could get one of them on waivers.
I’d suspect the Sox would want something decent back for them. And how much are their salaries?
Batting avg will be relevant again with the banning of the shift. OBP came en vogue because walks replaced singles. Now hopefully singles make a comeback.
@Samuel
I have a question. What was your answer last season to what if Pressly gets hurt?
Was the answer Montero? Doubt it. They find and develop guys to be Montero.
That’s the genius of the Astros.
My guy in that pen is Abreu. That’s their future at closer should they move on from Pressly down the line. Hunter Brown’s not a bad option down the line either should he not Stick as a SP.
Because dude is a team player that understands personal sacrifice (literally and bb metaforically) for team gain.
when using Rizzo’s deal as a comp you also need to factor the QO penalty that was not associated with Abreu
No it’s not, nobody running a baseball team in 2023 think batting average is important. That’s not a opinion it’s fact.
Bryan Abreu. The other very good Abreu on the Astros roster.
Don’t you step outta line! Don’t you step outta line!
Ohhhh that’s a Cardinal sin? Never question a man’s eating habits!
Abreu is a player I got immense respect for, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see regression? He is a right handed hitter and those Crawford boxes could do him wonders
Astros KNOW it’s important – highest league BA has a tendency to correlate very well with most runs scored. BA is the most important thing there is with 2 outs, man on second, tied or down one
You’re probably right, but in two years it will probably be time to start thinking about Altuve’s successor
Agreed, but the comp was based on the free agent market and what teams are willing to pay. Obviously two very different players, but also keep in mind that the biggest advantage to both of them is a LH bat in that short RF porch in Yankee Stadium. Abreu has a much higher floor than Rizzo, but IMHO, Rizzo with some luck/health, has a higher ceiling. Of course, that’s not including the intangibles and how great of a teammate Abreu/Rizzo are.
If they are not thinking about it now, its already too late.
@avenger65: happy for both Abreu and the Sox. Abreau, at an advanced age, gets his shot at a ring. Chicago, a couple yrs away from a WS run, build upon younger talent.
Zaidi must think Flores/Wade/Davis better options than trying to sign Abreu.
@Redwolves3 I’m baffled by some of Zaidi’s moves since the 2020-21 offseason, but the JD Davis pickup (plus 3 other useful players) was a freebie, dumping Ruf for actual talent. The SF FO must have called it a day and headed for the bars after that fiasco / gift from the Mets. A little shy of 30 JDD is a 125 OPS+ player since the end of 2018, who gets on base at a nice clip. His .363 OPB 2019-2022 would have placed him 9th in the NL this season, and iirc the Giants control him for 2 more years.
Consider: the Mets surrendered 20 years of player control for 2 months of Darin Ruf, and none of those 20 years are of chaff, of players just filling out the organization. The 3 milbers aren’t top prospects, of course, but each has actual promise. Between that, giving up a live young arm with great peripherals for two Marlins castoffs, and other assorted foolishness, ripping off Eppler is the new GM game.
As for Wilmer, his 2/13m+ is a bit of a puzzle, but he’s very well-liked and fits with a roster from which they hardly knew what to expect from all the positions Wilmer can fake: 1B, 2B, and 3B, where Belt and Longoria were getting old and where Estrada had only been good in a very small sample. They weren’t exactly set at DH, either, so he makes for a respectable transition to a new, different Giants club.
Defensive metrics are clearly flawed, it’s not a perfect science.
Rizzo isn’t my fave player but anyone who saw the guy this year would acknowledge he’s a pretty good fielder.
You want an eye test? Here’s an eye test: Defensive metrics create someone who watches every single play of every single game, never blinks, always in 4K, and compares every player’s performance against every other at that position by range, ability to make the play, how hard the ball was hit, how far away the ball was…
There aren’t any defensive measures showing Rizzo isn’t in decline, and isn’t now at least slightly below average at 1B.
We count everything, right? And if you want you can actually do side by sides of every play every player makes with any other player, such as a league’s best 1Bman. Rizzo isn’t close to that guy.
It’s too bad, but he’s a decent player in clear decline, nowhere near his peak, and if the Yankees are smart he won’t be their starting 1Bman for all of 2024. He!!, if they were smart, they would have given Oswald Peraza a 1Bman’s glove, gotten their 2 wins at 1B from him for 800k, and put the $20 million towards Rodon, giving them a real chance to go deep into the postseason.
But they’d have to be serious, inventive, and willing to answer a thousand questions about why they didn’t just resign Rizzo—and Cashman’s not that guy.
While you’re chewing on your alphabet soup, I can tell just by my eyes that Abreu is an excellent glove man. I hope he gets a lot of playing time at 1b.
Ok fine. He was an awesome fielder, who’s now just very good. He’s the least of the Yankee issues.
To make it sound as if Rizzo is a non-contributor just isn’t sensical. But I respect your opinion.
I’m hoping that Peraza/ Rodon scenario was just made in jest.
That’s hilarious avenger. Abreu was never good on defense and at 36 he is best suited for DH.
Tell me you don’t understand current baseball without telling me you don’t understand baseball
Iver-Are you saying that a hitter with an OBP of 350 and a batting average of 250 is as productive as one with the same OBP and a batting average of 300?
Are you saying that a walk is as good as a hit?
To show how screwed up Defensive WAR is at first base particularly, Don Mattingly grades out as just an ok fielder.
Also, it’s hard to ridicule Rizzo based on WAR, and yet not take into account what surprisingly strong Defensive WAR seasons were had by Torres, IKF and Donaldson.
To summarize, question everything you read and hear.
Whether you look at his -12 DRS or -9 OAA or use just the eye test, everyone of those tells you that Abreu is not a good defensive 1B.
His bat is what the Astros bought, not his glove.
Sad day for Sox fans. Yes, maybe the resources spent to sign Abreu might be put to good use elsewhere, but what a lot of people don’t get is that the fans want to win with OUR GUYS, players who’ve put in the time, invested in the community, and committed themselves to the team. That’s Abreu. Thats Engel. That’s not Clevinger.
Abreu doesn’t pitch, though. And Engel only pitches when down 10.
I jumped into this thread figuring there was already over 200 intelligent comments about the signing, only to realize 150 of them are about condiments on eggs. Michael Kay is horrified (Yankee fans will understand this reference.).
Looks to be a good signing, although as Gurriel showed, age can rob a player of his skills quickly.
LordD, you get a little bit of everything on here. There was a decent thread going on “emasculation” last week.
This is the saddest day of my life as a sox fan I am just grateful for what we got out of Jose good luck with the trashtos
It is a puzzler, paying serious money for the age 36-38 seasons of a 1B/DH bat.
Terry- Look at the back of his baseball card. Then you can see why he’s getting close to 60m for the next three seasons.
Quite possibly the most games played of any player since his debut also at a very high level of play. Someone that put himself in the very best physical condition.
Apparently Cleveland were the runner up for Abreu offered 3 years
I don’t like this. Aging player, clogs the bases and expensive. Still need a LF and to sign Verlander without going over $233m. Better ways to spend your money, but we will see.
Very solid addition for the Stros. It would be great to keep Yuli around as a backup/bench bat.
With his offense tanking and lack of defensive versatility I would question that move.
Crab L. Winston;
On that team I assume he’ll do a lot of DH’ing and only some 1B.
He remains one of the top natural hitters in MLB. He doesn’t have to carry the teams offense, he just has to be a part of it….and his diminished power is fine – the Astros primarily are a ‘keep the line moving’ team.
How do you figure he would do “alot of DHing” when you have Yordan Alvarez and his historic knee problems. He will be playing primarily 1st and DH some. He is being signed to play 1st they have no other option. So DH is out the window (other than spot starts there).
The Astros have reported they expect Yordan to be the regular LF in 2023. I am expecting 100 games or so.
Yordan had surgery on both knees in 2020 but has not missed any games due to knee issues since.
2 seasons no issues.
And Yordan is very underrated as a fielder and baserunner.
The Astros offense just got a lot better. If they choose to hit Abreu before Alvarez in the 3 hole, his power numbers will increase as will his RBI total, if Altuve and Pena are able to continue with the OBP #’s. This is an absolute upgrade for the Astros, and possibly the writing on the wall for Verlander to jump ship. He’s going to get $100+ for 3-years, Abreu’s deal is probably for around $45-$50 million. Now they can still spend another $35-$45 million this offseason, with the money they will NOT be paying Verlander. Maybe 1-2 SP’s on 1-year deals and also add another OF for when Springer gets injured, as usual.
Springer? His injuries are now the Jays’ problem.
I would bet Abreu hits 6th protecting Kyle Tucker.
Astros 1-5
Altuve, Pena, Alvarez, Bregman, Tucker
Are pretty much set.
I would hit Bregman #2, Abreu #4, and Pena #6 but Astros won’t. And Pena EARNED his spot at #2 this post season.
I take offence with comment as it is correct
Agree. Yordan is VERY underrated as a fielder. Doing good protecting him with OF/DH split though
Sorry, I meant Bregman.
The Astros had a ridiculously high winning percentage with Peña in the 2 slot. But, yeah, not your prototypical selection for that spot
Ahhhhh ya right.
@sammy
Everyone other than Judge had diminished power in 2022 due to MLB messing with the baseball.
I saw Abreu swing and miss A LOT with fastballs right down the middle.. Maybe a change of scenery would help but hitters typically do not get better with age either. I’m sure the warm weather all year round will help his numbers make up for deficiencies but really Abreu’s arrow is not going to go up.
@Htownveveryone Well put. Yordan missed 60, then 20, then 30 games, so there should be opportunities for secondary DH’s—but I imagine the Astros would rather play Abreu at 1B than move him to DH when Yordan is out and try to have a fill-in glove man at 1B, unless they bring in someone like that this offseason, or do some weird maneuvering.like play their backup SS at 1B on those occasions.
Abreu doesn’t miss much time, but what’s the lineup likely to look like when he and Alvarez are out? Who DHs and who’s the primary backup at 1B—do we know yet?
Never did like that contract. 6/$150m and the Jays have only gotten 6.5 rWAR in its first two seasons. Would anyone sign Springer now for 4/$100m for his age 33-36 seasons?
(Though w CF the way it is around the league and Springer coming off a 4 rWAR year, he might well get 4/$75-80m, Whatsisname, the CF [edit: GRANDERSON! !!!] got 4/64m from the Mets for ages 33-36 iirc, and it was assumed of the four years he had one peak year left, a couple of tolerable years, then the last one where he might be a decent 4th-5th OFer, and that’s pretty much the way it went.)
@Astrosfan1979 Abreu and his .369 OBP over the last three seasons surely bumps Tucker (.341) (and Pena to hit below Abreu in the lineup.
One postseason doesn’t earn you a lineup slot. What’s best for the team earns you a lineup slot. Pena’s OBP in 2022 was .289. That’s abysmal. It’s hard to think of a strong team hitting a guy with an OBP that low at the top of the lineup since Branch Rickey figured out that getting on base matters.
In Pena’s favor, his BB rates in college, foreign ball, summer leagues, and the minors haven’t been anything close to this bad, and he hasn’t had anything like 2022’s 6 to 1 K to BB rate, but he’s going to have to figure something out. If the Astros bat a .289 OBP second in the order when second is a spot routinely given over to teams’ best hitters, they get what they deserve. If this is some Dusty bullshite, someone needs to do an intervention.
Abreu always takes the first pitch, which pitchers know, so they would always throw him a first pitch strike. I’m sure that’s something the Astros will straighten out. He also was terrible with RISP the last two seasons. I bet he does better in that department in 2023 which he would’ve done better with the Sox and their phantom hitting coach the last two seasons.
David Hensley is 6’6″ and can man SS. I think he’s the perfect Diaz replacement as a man that can field almost anywhere. He also hit very well this year.
I was about to say didn’t I see him in left during the nationally televised world seires?
Fortunately the Astros don’t take a single stat and use it to put together a lineup in order 1-9.
Tucker was 25 last year and still improving.
The Astros just won a World Series with Pena hitting 2nd and they won a crazy % of games he is in that spot.
What Abreu did in Chicago will not change or override what the Astros do.
Abreu will hit 6th and provide protection to Tucker and win a World Series ring.
“offense tanking”
Career OPS+: 134
2022 OPS+: 133
Oh no!
Might be more likely he was talking about resigning Yuli…
To be fair, some of Jose’s power stats took a significant drop in 22. ISO of 141 (lifetime 215 and MLB ave 161) and HR% of 2.2% (lifetime 4.4% and MLB average 3.0%).
Yuli Gurriel’s lack of defensive versatility? He has the ability to play 1B, 2B, 3B and SS in a pinch.
To be fair, Gurriel is 38 and other than finishing one(1) game at 3B in 2021 hasn’t played any of those positions since 2019 (hasn’t played SS since 2018). Bringing him back under the idea he could be a utility Infielder is foolish.
Gurriel has the ability to play racist troll too so versatile
I said he was versatile and made no mention of utility infielder. Learn to read before you call other foolish.
You may question all you want because the stros signed him & not you.
His offense is not tanking. His 2022 OPS+ was better than his 2021 OPS+, and just one point less than his career 0PS+.
He was referring to Yuli
I completely agree. Yuli should stay and play a backup role. Great signing by Houston on Abreu.
I would prefer Yuli to be the primary 1B, Abreu primary DH, Alvarez primary LF
I think that Yordan Alvarez should get plenty of play both in LF and DH. His health makes all the difference to this team.
Hey Kudos to him for getting 3 years. Glad the Cubs stayed away for that investment. Not sure how that deal will age but good luck to all.
You’re not at all dill-lightful, did you have a jarring experience?
UncleMike, I must be tuned into the Universe today. About 1 minute ago I was thinking to myself: “I sure haven’t heard anyone use the word KUDOS in a while in any capacity.” And here you are….hahaha Kudos to You!
You are really relishing this aren’t you Manny?
Manny, I just saw you used “relish” in an earlier post. Thanks alot that one took me a few mins! I’m just gonna back off now and let you lead…
You guys are punny.
What? They never said this. Alvarez has never played 3B in the minor leagues.
Nah, he’s not. Bregman is playing 3B.
@stros1fan Just ignore that pickle toes dude. Take a look at the name and realize what a weirdo they are. They think they’re funny so they’re throwing all these dumb useless comments out there. Obviously Yordan isn’t moving to 3B, the commenter just thinks they’re funny.
Zero chance that Alavrez plays 3B. Personally, I think he should stay as primary DH, but I am overly cautious. All reports suggest he will play a lot of outfield next year.
Looks like the pickle guy was thrown back in his brine.
I wanna get you on “Wheel Of Fortune” Manny. We can split the proceeds. I think you would do well. I’ll make the calls.
I like this, if Alvarez DHs, Abreu at 1B Yuli on the bench, McCormick in LF and Dubon in CF. And if Yuli sits David Hensley should fill in nicely and possibly hit well too.
Totally agree. This is a great move by Mr. Crane. I love Yuli and hope that he can stay with the team. La Piña is a prime-time player for sure.
Nice upgrade from Yuli for them. Guessing 2/40
Three year deal, could be $60MM.
Close enuff!
$58.5 Mil!
I looked back at their predictions after I posted and saw they already predicted the 2/40 for him. Must be where I got my great idea lol
Glad I changed my guesses.
I did, too. With a selfish motive …
And now I am “forced” to keep him on my fantasy team.
Depending how much money and how many years they’re giving him, this could be steal. Abreu hit .300 in 2022 while smacking 15 home runs and racking up 75 RBIs. Yuli caught fire in the postseason, but could be a solid up grade.
Abreu has also been very good in the postseason, albeit a small sample.
Small sample
Niiiiiice, no Mad Squad. Good luck w/ Dom Smith ya koooooks
Of course they are…
Congrats to Houston. Abreu is an exceptional baseball player. He will be missed on the South side of Chicago.
Thanks. Much respect to you.
The Astros have wanted him since his days in Cuba. It was a shame here in Houston when he chose the South Siders over us. These Cuban baseball players are just so talented and team oriented. Jim Crane just never stops trying to make his team better. What an owner!!!
Must’ve been a lot of strong offers because 3 years at close to 60 mill is too long and too much.
I can imagine him thriving in Houston. Being on a great team and surrounded by the likes of Alvarez, Altuve, Tucker, and Bregman could help Avery age more gracefully than if he was supposed to be “the guy” in the lineup
He is more likely to class up the Astros, than have the Astros help him any. Astros are a harder team to hate now.
I’m imagining Jim Crane laughing like Hank Hill does in that King of the Hill episode where Peggy has a dream about hell: youtube.com/watch?v=LXj7494JYjQ <— "they can't hate us now, I’l tell you hwhat! Bwahhhaaaa!"
Nightingale is the source? Lol.
Rosenthal confirmed.
I approve that confirmation. If it was just Nightingale, then I wouldn’t trust it.
Being that he’s really good friends with Dusty, it’s definitely legit
Was hoping he’d be a Padre, but hopefully this means we’ll re-sign Drury as our 1B/DH option.
Imagine settling for Brandon Drury lmaaooo
3rd plaaaace
Imagine thinking a guy with a 122 OPS+, 123 wRC+, and 28 HR is anything other than a great option for most teams
Imagine thinking only last year’s output matters when it comes to projecting future performance
I’ll take “things no one has ever said for a thousand Aex”
Drury had a 122 OPS in 2022. His 2nd straight plus offensive season.
Since they have already missed out on signing Abreu, why wouldn’t the Padres turn to Drury?
Cmon brother.
Brandon Drury had less than 100 abs in 2021.
I don’t care what he did in that season.
He built on that season to have a very good 2022. It doesn’t matter if you care. It only matters if GMs care.
He hit 4 hrs and 5 doubles in 88 ABS. Aristides Aquino did better than that and was terrible thereafter.
It doesn’t hurt but doesn’t say much of anything. He was slightly above average after going to SDP.
I wouldn’t want to give him a multi year deal at 10MM +
That’s a great signing. Ugh. Alright… time to counter, Dipoto.
2022 vs. Seattle (6 games)
Abreu 182/240/227
Hopefully that trend continues
Hopefully so, but I’m sure he’ll help them win games against other AL teams. Without looking, I’m guessing Abreu’s worth between 4-5 bWAR and 3-4 fWAR. Either way, their lineup just got much deeper by replacing Gurriel.
His peak the last 3 full seasons was 4.2. His average was 2.9.
He wasn’t in the Astros lineup then, completely upgraded compared to the Sox.
When players go to the Astros they get better.
If I get back into fantasy, I’d take Abreu in the middle-late rounds. A Statcast darling headed to Houston? No-brainer
I’ve got him in my 10-deep keeper league. Going to Houston …he’s on the short list!
And a good hitter to all fields with no shift? He could easily surpass last year’s numbers.
A good hitter to all fields doesn’t benefit from the shift going away. Dead pull hitters do.
The timing of this, a day after the White Sox “overpaid” for Mike Clevinger, is not going to go down well with the White Sox fanbase.
Kingslayers;
Clevinger got $12m !!!!!!
The Sox FO is a real piece of work, aren’t they?
LOL
Well, I think Clevinger is not going to do well.
But the Abreu move is all about whether Vaughn will become good enough to take his place.
The sad thing Abreu clearly needed to go, whether its diminished skill set or just needed a change of scenery. I just know what I saw, which was Abreu hitting a lot of singles and swinging and missing at a lot of fastballs down the middle. The sad thing is, being in Houston in a dome will likely only help Abreu perform in the spring which will make his over all numbers look better, but Im not one to be crying over this, as for Clevinger.. The Sox fanboys are creaming their shorts right now dreaming he will be the pitcher of old, but Im not surprised, The Sox FO love guys that were in their prime several years before so they become cheap enough for the Sox to try to look like they want to be competitive.
Bingo!
What do you mean “dome”..? Minute Maid Park is not a dome stadium, lol. It has a retractable roof. The Astros haven’t played their home games in a dome since they were in the Astrodome in 1999.
Semantics
Everyone here knows that they don’t play in the Astrodome.
But you knew that
Nrd, in re: guys that were in their prime years ago- Cueto says hi!
Abreu is a good upgrade for the best team, all the other contenders are in catch up mode!
Yeah, this should be very concerning for the Yankees. In addition to the fact that Abreu is a good player to begin with, he has a history of being a Yankee killer. This is a very good move for the Astros and a better move than Rizzo for them. I think his power numbers will increase a bit with the Crawford wall in LF.
I’ve said this before: Yankees cannot afford to sit around and wait for Judge to make up his mind and also do nothing. They need to start making moves. Judge does control his own offseason signing, but he shouldn’t control theirs too.
Spot on clip. But you know the Yankees will do their usual modus operandi of putting everything on hold until they sign judge, if they do. They were already playing catch-up with the Astros, even if they successfully signed Judge. Now they’re that much further behind them. If this was a different Yankees organization, this would light a fire under their butts to do some thing and do something fast, but it isn’t and they won’t.
They operate with the ledger sheets first, then the team and the players later. Once judge is hopefully signed , the GM Cashman will do his usual searches under rocks for cheaper, under the radar players that he could plug-in at key positions. Then he will brag about what a genius he is for discovering so and so for such a cheap price.
But as we have seen this does not work, there is no free lunch. To get quality you must pay for it or give up quality. Since the Yankees do not operate any more to win it all, but merely to be in the game, they will continue to lose to the Astros until someone else beat the Astros, or some miracle occurs and there is a different GM or owner. I do not see those things happening anytime soon.
Dr: All salient points, especially about the necessity to give up money/quality to get quality.
Abreu is also a perfect addition to the Astros lineup because he is an average/OPB guy, who can also hit HRs. Their lineup is full of those guys, kind of reminiscent of the late-‘90’s Yankees teams. I wish Cashman would start modeling the lineup after those guys than looking at whatever he looks at.
Ketchup mode would have been more appropriate with all these exhausting comments.
Nice add by the Lowe’s garbage cans
Man, that was a good one!!
He better stay out of White Sox business.
Perfect fit on an already stacked team.
HalosHeavenJJ;
The best organization in MLB.
Samuel… could you do me a small favor — list ( in order ) the 5 best organizations in MLB. Not being a d**k I am just looking for your list for future reference
riffraff;
Can’t do 5 – but Astros are at the top.
I’ll put the Orioles and Guardians on there. Dodgers of course. The Braves and the Rays. Brewers would have been on there but I’m not sure what’s happening with Stearns not running it. Dombrowski has been a one man whirlwind, but don’t know about the entire Phillies organization yet.
FYI – If you’re holding my feet to the fire, I’ve pretty much been with these for years now….and have felt that way about the Astros for years (didn’t like the cheating…they didn’t need to) – 8 straight years of contention, multiple playoff wins, 2 WS’s. Will be contending again in 2023. This is remarkable.
How about you list yours?
Yanks
braves
dodgers
astros
cardinals
in no particular order.. and for what its worth I dislike yanks dodgers and cards
riffraff;
Thanks.
I’ll keep an eye out for your posts.
P.S. I tend to favor organizations that are united in finding talent, developing and maintaining it, and emphasizing strong baseball fundamentals on the field – starting with a strong defense (particularly up the middle) and pitching.
You should – they are pretty amazing. Did you catch the one about birds not being real?
I agree with riffrafs top 5. But would prob replace the Yankees with the Brewers. Can you explain to me why you believe the Orioles are top 5. They usually finish last every year. I see it as tanking for high draft picks. They don’t spend much money on free agents. One of the lowest payrolls in mlb. Is there something I am missing?
Lou – you and I are basing it off of strictly results.. it seems Samuel is more of ” how its run” type guy with a lower bar on the results part of the equation. Both are legit both are theoretically correct as it is an opinion.
Samuel is talking about the current orioles. Mike Elias gm. Sig Mejdal. Ass gm. They haven’t done it on the field yet but they have the best farm system in baseball and a terrific front office. Im not familiar with ownership but i love the Orioles future.
Yankees? I just snorted my beer through my nose.
To all…..
The O’s did do it on the field the 2nd half of 2022. People aren’t watching.
That team is loaded, and plays solid baseball.
Only a matter of time before the O’s and Guardians play for the AL championship.
Wow, just… wow.. The Guardians have one good season (where their pitchers actually stayed healthy somewhat all year round for the first time in a while) and the Orioles finally find lightning in the bottle for HALF a season and they are AL Championship contenders? I mean the Guardians I can kind of see only because of the pathetic division they are in (and as long as their pitchers stay healthy which is hard for them to do), but the Orioles Wow, one half a season does it for you eh?
The Orioles should be loaded after so many last place finishes.
nrd1138;
I’ve been watching baseball for over half a century.
When rebuilding teams come up with almost all their players being youngsters with little if any ML experience and play competitively – particularly playing fundamental team baseball – then even a moron can figure out that many of those players have much higher ceilings and will get much better in coming years.
Now, some will wash out – that’s expected. But with both these teams they have even more solid prospects in the high minors coming up.
I knew the Phillies and White Sox’s rebuilds weren’t going to work. The O’s and Guardians will. Those players are affordable for years, even to small market teams. Their FO’s have done a sensational job.
Maybe if they were more flamboyant like Preller and all the Padre teams full of youngsters that he couldn’t develop, or the White Sox with all their sluggers that can’t play baseball, more people like you would know how good they really are.
You might want to get your head out of the spreadsheets and watch some MLB games. It’ll be a life-changing experience for you.
Where’s Seattle on your list, Samuel?
@stymeedone
The tigers should be pretty good too, right?
One team can develop their #1 draft picks though.
They don’t play in Detroit.
Rays
Guardians
Cardinals
Astros
Braves
In no particular order.
It takes no talent to take the largest payroll and get your team to the playoffs, so no Yanks or Dodgers.
Don’t get too far ahead. I agree, the O’s have a lot of young, solid talent, but the AL East is a beast to contend in.
So glad the Astros replaced the aging Cuban first baseman with the aging Cuban first baseman.
lol stats speak for themselves. Huge upgrade for Houston.
Please don’t talk until the adults are done…you’re a Rangers fan.
Do I detect snarkasm? I’m surprised you would have an issue with the best baseball team in Texas getting better ….
It can be a good move for Houston and sort of funny at the same time.
I’m Fidel Castro and I approve that posting.
Oh, wow.
That works from the Astros POV. A good signing. Abreau still very productive.
Yet another professional hitter for the Stros. That lineup is scary.
I doubt he got 20 mill per season
2020 MVP and still productive given his age and let him walk. Day and age of no more cornerstones of franchises. The Yankees better wake up and realize they are the Yankees and keep Judge.
Villains keep getting better. Solid move.
Good for ‘Pito’. It pains me to say this but Jose has a better chance of getting a ring with the Astros than he ever did with the White Sox. Good for me too since I had Abreu going to the Astros in the MLBTR free agent contest.
Curses, I was hoping the Padres would snag him. Now he just has to learn the rhythm of the trash cans.
James Midway;
That shticks getting tiring. Only cheap shot artists are still doing it.
Did you hear any cans being hit in October and November this year?
Haha it never will be. I’m riding that train until all those guys are retired. I’m sure Astros fans are tired of it, nobody else is.
I. Am
the sad thing is, they were so good in 2017, they didn’t need to cheat. They are still the best team in bb and deserved to win the WS this season. By the way, I still haven’t gotten over the 1918 black Sox scandal but hopefully one day I’ll like the Sox again.
You need some new material. The trash can thing is played out and now just boring.
It will never be played out. Astros fans will say it’s played out, but we will still be saying it 20 years from now.
Sooooo 20 years from now you’ll be making trash can jokes about the Astros? Wow!!!
Just mute this clown and move on
I know it was 1919. Damn these tiny keyboards!
I’m not an Astros fan, but yes, it is very played out. They made the world series in 21 and won it in 22. They proved they don’t need to cheat to win. They gained my respect.
3 years?????? You can tell this team just fired their top FO leader. This is awful
kc38;
Abreu has several issues.
However, like Rico Carty he can fall out of bed in December-January and hit.
Abreu is such a good fit for this team for next year. A solid RH bat in a strong lineup, he should do well. His power declined a bit last year and could see that continuing, but if he continues to hit a lot of doubles, this offense will be even more dangerous. I think it’s an overpay, but I’m probably in the minority on that, even though I think by year three they’ll be wishing they didn’t have his salary on their books. We’ll see
I think Abreu’s power decline is because the whole Sox team played like they were half asleep the entire season, basically. The Tony vibe. With Jose going to a vastly better lineup and clubhouse/dugout, I’ll be Jose has a monster resurgence. Will hit 30+ easily, probably drive in 120 on that team.
Like most White Sox, Jose Abreu was not healthy this past season. Unlike many of those other players, ‘Pito’ actually showed up and played everyday. He was the consummate professional, mentor and team leader with the White Sox and will continue that with the Astros.
He was also the ‘leader’ who did not get his team to rise to their potential.. Im sure Abreu will hit, but not like people are thinking.
The entire league, with the exception of Judge, saw their power go down. MLB messed with the ball.
nrd1138;
I think he’ll hit better…..
The Astros are great with analytics and coaches using them with their players. They turn-around and maximize many veteran players they acquire. Mr. Abreu didn’t have anything like that with the Sox.
I expect his defense to improve as well.
johome – if he goes 30-100+ I’ll be very happy in my one fantasy baseball league!
Abreu didn’t have any health issues in 2022. He was the oddball on that team.
So Judge hit using non-messed up baseballs?
Interesting!
Samuel-I assume that you are not a debutante if you remember Rico Carty.
Pirate fans used to say that about Smokey Burgess.
And Ed Roebuck said that Clemente could hit 280 in an iron lung!
Mendoza Line 215;
Smokey Burgess. and Manny Mota were the two best pinch hitters I ever saw. Absolutely turned games around.
Samuel-And they had both of them for two and a half years between 1964-1966.
But during that time they were not even the best pinch hitter on the Pirates!His name?
Jerry Lynch.
@Samuel
Ah, the “Beeg Mon”…who didn’t love to watch Rico Carty hit? And how he played with that huge wallet in his back pocket? (“Don’t trust no one.”)
The guy who reminds me the most of Rico is Yandy Diaz. Not necessarily in the results, but stance at the plate and how he looks to drive pitches the other way, just like Rico.
“BUT THEY OVERPAID FOR A MIDDLE RELIEVER AND AN OLD FIRSTBASEMAN” he howled at his television, while watching the Astros 2023 Victory Parade
Well, as a Cubs fan, this stinks. I was really hoping Abreu was going to stay in the Windy City.
He’s too old to wait for the Cubs to win.
So one less team now bidding for Joss Bell’s services? Hope so. Big dude that doesn’t strike out a lot and is not enamored with dingers. Loved to see him in 4 hole hitting behind Mullins, Rutschman and Santander in Baltimore … even if it means trading Mountcastle. Oh, how about Mountcastle and low level prospect for Fin’s Lopez or the like?
I think yall will get Mancini back.
It’s Josh.
Post the contest leaderboard already, cause I got this one.
I’m going to guess the three year deal is worth 45 Mill
Too low!
$60 mil!
$58.5 mil
Close enough!
Great move. Abreu will bat 6th in the Astros lineup behind Altuve, Pena, Bregman, Alvarez and Tucker. They’ll need to add a 7th hole hitter (replacing Brantley). McCormick and Maldonado will bring up the rear. Gurriel will probably be re-signed as a backup…..he can play 1st, 3rd and 2nd.
Likely to hit fifth between the LH’s. Scary great lineup
I agree – he’ll hit between Yordan & Kyle. Awesome lineup.
You’re probably right. Dusty likes to alternate eighties and lefties. Gurriel hit 5th until he was no longer effective.
White Sox should have traded him when they sold off Sale, Quintana and Eaton.
Wow Reinsdorf needs to stop stealing from the good citizens of Chicago. What a miser.
MetsPatriots;
He just spent $12m on a #5 starting pitcher that needs to be rehabbed.
***expletives in Bostonian***
Lol great
Maybe Yuli wants to go play with his brother? He’s got 2 rings already
Wanted him for my Padres… now we’ll have to settle for Stros scraps.. welcome to SD Micheal Brantley…
The guy is a natural hitter. I think it’s a good pick up for the Astros. Not so sure about 3 years though.
3 years? Yuck!
What, no Bob Nutting mention
Will we ever be able to see our prediction brackets again?
The contest just started lol.
Good for Abreu and the astros upgrading at one of their few weak spots.
Probably 3rd year with a team option. While is numbers are really good, even he admitted to his drop in power at the end of 2022. Hopefully he can find it, but loses it completely when they face the Yankees. They will need all the help they can get to win.
Not really. They swept the Yankees without him.
As stated – they will need all the help they can get.
While you are at it – You should also pick on the fact I was wrong about the team option.
Stros just picked up one the best free agent hitters. Sneaky move and they just got better. They are a team that can lose Verlander and still have great starting pitching as well.
Solid. I might hate the Astros but they’re pretty good at valuing players and giving appropriate contract lengths and values. I’ll give them that much. This is a professional hitter getting a very fair contract value, AAV and length.
Keep Gurriel at first, plus some other infield days, if and when absolutely necessary.
Abreu as primary DH, plus 1st to rest Gurriel.
Alvarez as primary LF, plus some DH
Thinking that leaves NO room for Brantley tho, even if he comes back 100% healthy
I think the Astros will sign both Brantley and Yuli before spring training. Brantley will need to prove his shoulder has recovered. Yuli is more b/c he wants to retire an Astro. I still see the Astros trading for a CF, maybe McCarthy, Diamondbacks. Here’s hoping to the Astros sign LH Reliever Chafin.
Astros have moved on. Yuli and Brantley won’t be back because they won’t pay starter money for bench players. Besides, they will both want to start, which won’t happen in Houston.
Yuli isn’t coming back, Astros fans need to move on because the team just did.
The Astros always making smart moves.
Pretty sure Houston will end up regretting this deal but if he continues to rake, that lineup is scary good.
His Fangraphs prediction of 2/$32 seemed like a steal. 3/$60 is a pretty big jump. Paying him for a 3rd year at 20m AAV seems like a lot at his age.
I wanted him for the padres but seeing this deal I know in Petco at this contract amount we would have a problem by the end. I hope he does well, great player.
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes!!
Never wanted them to get Rizzo I love this so much it made my day
Abreu was my top pic. Rizzo is a fine player, but José is a much better fit. I hope they can bring Yuli back as a bench/role player.
The rich get richer. I initially predicted the White Sox would land Bell, and Abreu would head to the North Side of town.
Great pickup – Abreu remains underrated.
The Guardians finished a close runner-up in the pursuit of Abreu.
I was 50/50 on wanting the cubs to sign Abreu. I’d honestly rather they took a chance on Bellinger. He’s 7 years younger and a change of scenery could really be what he needs. At the right price. 1 year 10mil. If he has a monster year. Back to mvp form. He can really cash out on a massive deal.
Abreu is pretty likely to be an above average hitter for at least the next 2 years. Bellinger has a much, much higher chance of being a negative hitter than ever reclaiming anything near his mvp form – kind of comparing 2 different things.
Are the cubs going to be stealing signs next season? Bellinger hasn’t hit since the league put a stop to electronic sign stealing.
Dodgers know him the best and are pretty good with player development. If they thought he could get back to mvp form he would have received qo. Are the cubs going to unlock something LA couldn’t?
As a lifelong White Sox fan I’m glad to see him go to a team that cares about competing for titles.
Bearsfan speaks the truth.
Abreu should stockpile a lot of RBI in this loaded lineup. Takes pride in that. Just beware the GIDP as the minor critique and have runners in motion. Glad he landed with a good team, and his kryptonite of cold weather early on will go away for the most part in the AL West.
CWS fan….congrats Astros and congrats Abreu for well deserved contract.
Good pickup for Houston. Seemed the Astros were a good fit for Josh Bell but now with Abreu they probably aren’t bringing Bell in.
This signing makes sense for both. Abreu signed with the 1st contending team that offered him that 3rd year. I gotta believe most were uncomfortable with it (3).
I would pass on a 3 year deal at his age
VegasSDfan;
….and you’re a Padres fan?
if he is really 36 years old then it’s not a bad risk, for what he can potentially provide offensively.
YES!!!!! Now, let’s resign Brantley, and go get Contreras!
Wow. I had Abreu pegged as a $30M/2 type. Everyone once in a while, it pays to ask the question “what happens if last year was his peak?”. If Abreu gives them 15 HRs with a 110/62 K/W, I imagine they will be a little disappointed.
You need to look at more than just HR’s. His exit velocity and hard hit rates were elite; it’s just his launch angle that was at a career worst. And his wRC+ was pretty much exactly his career average, despite the lower power numbers. Since he’s come into the league, he’s been one of the most consistently excellent hitters in baseball. The only way I see this going south for Houston is if he gets injured.
The White Sox for some reason looked at their roster and said “Who is this Abreu guy. Quality guy ends up on a quality team. Sox front office needs brain surgery. They have been on the DL since 2005.
Gonna miss you Jose. Thanks for everything, but you deserve to get paid and a ring. You are also a class act. That said, all you are missing is a ring. Just glad you did not go to a division rival, which I KNEW you were not. Go get you ring. BTW, he is a way better first baseman than he gets credit for. Good luck. All roads have gone through Houston over the past 5 years or so. Now, it is Vaughn’s turn at first and maybe even Eloy. LOL
As a White Sox fan, this sucks. I’d have rather had him go to Cleveland or even the Yankees. Still, it’s the Sox’ stupid fault that they decided to get rid of their best and most consistent hitter (and clubhouse leader, and consummate professional, and someone who’s actually become a plus defender at 1B) rather than trade away Vaughn to fill their hole at 2B and Abreu was loyal and great for years. Even though I hate the Astros, I wish him the best…save for when he’s playing his old team.
I agree that Abreu has been a good player, but I question his leadership role. If he was the leader of last years team, he failed. The players quit. That would give the White Sox brass pause in bringing him back. I don’t think he was the leader. I just see Williams and Hahn repeating the error of not paying attention to the budget, making Abreu the easiest way to make some space. Just because a player is a solid hitter doesn’t make them the clubhouse leader.
How does the Astrps spell repeat ? A.B.R.E.U. The perfect signing of this whole off season, the perfect fit. The Astrps have the best owner in the majors. They will beat the division into submission. No one will come close to this team.
This will be the premier signing of the off season, it boosted them into the playoffs what ever they do for left or catcher, they will hit a ton. Well, maybe the Tigers will go get Judge.
You shouldn’t be allowed to discuss spelling or grammar.
Its the keyboards fault…………..putting the p next to the o…………HOW DARE THEY…!
hiflew – Yeah I don’t get the joke either, sounds like more of the bees crap. But I am 100% behind your original comment, I respect any team that actually tries to improve by signing quality players instead of using cheap filler.
As a Sox fan, I’m gutted. Abreu is such a class act and he really loved playing here. If Eloy would have spent more time working on his fielding, just enough to be an average LF, this logjam could have been avoided. Vaughn & Abreu should be splitting time at 1B/DH, not a just turned 26 year old who’s a danger to himself and others any time he puts a glove on his hand. The Sox now have to find a cheap left-fielder to go along with “fingers crossed” for Oscar Colas in RF. I’ll miss you Jose.
I love this move. The Astros keep focusing on bringing in people who will fit the clubhouse personality. Solid, team first, good people in the community, etc…
Welcome to the future Champion Abreu!!!
My former roommate used to make ramen burritos.
Seems. odd. 1B / DH are the easiest positions to fill, and Abreu projects only to about 7 WAR over the life of the deal; 3.2, 2.4, and 1.5 for 2023=2025.
Strange that a FO as good as the Astro’s has been can’t find a better way to spend $60m— can’t find a passable guy, a 2 WAR player, for a lot closer to the league minimum. They’ve seen the problem coming for a while, presumably. Where’s either the minor league slugger taught to field tolerably or the glove wizard trained to take a walk?
Jack;
As I noted above, I expect the Astros to make him better.
He’s coming from a White Sox team that knows nothing about using analytics and coaching veteran players up, to one known for doing just that.
Special thanks to MLBTR staff for eliminating the posts by Pickletoes. Greatly appreciate trying to read comments without incessant trolling that is way over the top.
Sox fans will miss Pito. He is fun to watch.
i suggest the 3B coach waving him home every chance he gets just to see him smile. this dude loves this game.
Abreu had a .373 xwOBA. Among free agents, only Judge was higher. Astros replacing Braves as the smartest team in baseball
Bright Side;
LOL
Astros have been the smartest team in MLB for around 10 years now.
This dude is a rock. Plays almost all the games every year whether he has a day to day injury or not, and as steady and consitent production as it gets. Without the drag of Tony as mananger, I think he will rebound and be good for 25-30 jacks and 120 rbi’s. Astros are just dope, nobody is going to touch them in 2023 if they are healthy. Jose going to get a ring one of the next 3 years almost for sure. Good for him, he sure wasn’t going to get one where he was at.
He’s moving to the easiest park to hit a home run:
mlb.com/news/which-is-easiest-ballpark-to-hit-a-ho…
For something a little more recent than a 2017.
baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-f…
Sort by HR and RHB. 102. A tiny bit better than neutral for RHB.
Have they altered the dimensions of the park since 2017?
I’m doubtful that Statcast employs the same methodology in calculating their HR factor as was used to calculate the ease of homering in a given park: i.e., “Since the advent of Statcast™, 16.1 percent of home runs at Minute Maid Park have been neither barreled nor solid contact.”
I think you’re probably comparing apples to oranges.
The dimensions are the same at MMP. Abreu could very well feast on the Crawford boxes. Remember that Bregman home run in Houston vs the Yankees in the alcs? Some times, you don’t have hit it hard or barrel it to hit it out in Houston.
Good signing. Simple question easily answered: Does this make the Astros better? Yes, it does.
Fangraphs puts the dollar value of his WAR from 2021-2022 alone at $52.4M.
Pink, so the Astros, who the Yankees can never beat, just got better. What will the Yankees do in response. Maybe sign judge, and then do their usual dumpster diving ,that’s about it.
A sad state of affairs. Aaron Judge would not have been enough before to get past the Astros ,now even more improvements would be needed.
I think that improving the rotation after the ill-considered contract to Cole would do more to enhance the Yankees’ chances of competing with the Astros than resigning Judge, much as I like Aaron. There are enough good bats available without resigning Judge to assemble a formidable offense to go with better pitching and defense.
I have no problem with that pink. I happen to agree with you(as if my opinion matters anyway lol),and since Steinbrenner is prudent with his finances, spending all your money on one player is probably not wise, if it handcuffs you. you may as will spread the money out a bit more ,and get more of what you need, as you are suggesting. Of course the Yankees , being a multi billion dollar operation ,in my opinion, should not be worried about spending an extra few million here are there anyway, and they should be operating as the Dodgers do. Bring in the best players that they can, regardless of the cost, obviously up to a point of course. But they don’t operate that way ,and they will never do so under this regime .
There’s literally zero players available that will fill a Judge vacancy. You’re saying the New York Yankees should just let one of the faces of the game, the guy who just broke Roger Maris’ HR record, won the MVP in pinstripes go play for another team? Lol I’m sure the fanbase wouldn’t revolt. They have to sign him they can’t let him walk after the season he just had it would be a monumental failure by Cashman and Hal and they both know it. From a viewpoint of what players in the league can a team make tons of money with Judge is right near the top with Ohtani. They messed up with Cole and Hicks and now if they want to win they have to spend they’re way out of it or wallow in the same muck they have been for a decade.
Ideally, they’d sign Judge and still add what they need, which is exactly what Hal’s father would’ve done. But he’s not his father.
From Judge’s side, I can imagine a very good reason for him not wanting to stay in New York.
He was booed after giving this fan base one of the greatest seasons ever. If I were him, I would certainly be thinking: “If that’s how they treat me now, how will they react next year if I don’t have another monumental season and I’m making all that money?”
Would you want to sign up for that? I know I wouldn’t. I’d have signed with the Giants already.
Ohtani and Turner.
Over the past two seasons Judge put up a 16.6 bWAR.
Turner 114 bWAR.
Ohtani 18.6 bWAR – 8.4 bWAR as a hitter and 10.2 bWAR as a pitcher.
Signing Turner for SS gives the Yankees the ability to include one of their 3 shortstop prospects in a trade for Ohtani and keep 2 of them to either play CF or 2B.
The trade would look something like Volpe or Peraza, Gil (because he is MLB ready), plus a very young lottery ticket like Serna for Ohtani.
1 top 100 prospect, one mid-level prospect that is MLB ready and a low level lottery ticket with upside.
I don’t think that would get Ohtani. I like your thing though.
Let’s face it pink, as avid followers of the Yankees, you and I both know that the chances of Ohtani coming to the Yankees are next to nothing. Not because he would not come here if the right offer was made, I’m sure he would, but I doubt that the Yankees would offer what is required to get him. This observation is based on years of observing this regime and how they operate ,with free agents or trades. Even if he was sorely needed, they would never give up enough to get him. In my opinion. Before people object, I’m not saying they haven’t been exceptions like Cole, which probably was a mistake in retrospect, but they are exactly that exceptions to how they usually operate.
Boy, that might rank as my worst typo ever . . . not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Correction: I like your thinking.
The Yankees always spend a lot of money, Doc. But lately the spending has been imprudent. In the big-ticket department, signing Ellsbury, assuming Stanton’s massive contract, and signing Cole were mistakes. On the lower level, long-term deals to LeMahieu and Hicks were blunders. And most recently, taking on Donaldson’s contract was a needless gamble.
Expecting Cashman to finally put together a complete championship-caliber team is getting to feel like expecting Lucy to finally hold the football and not pull it away at the last instant. At this time of year, I’m always glued to the offseason moves, but I’m minded to tamp down my expectations.
The rich get richer.
No wonder this sport is dying.
If MLB is dying, they’re hiding the symptoms extraordinarily well.
statista.com/statistics/193466/total-league-revenu…
Baseball is old news Fink. Badminton is the way of the future!
I’m a curling man, myself. Roll them stones, baby!
I have always wanted to try Curling! It looks like a blast!
Blurnsball from Futurama is the future.
by definition.
Youve got that right Pink. And Steinbrenner is laughing all the way to the bank. He didn’t notice that baseball is dying.
Spoken just like large market apologists.
How are we apologists for noting that MLB teams — including the Reds — are rolling in money? According to Forbes, the Reds raked in $266M in revenue this year and the franchise is valued at $1.19 billion.
You said the sport is dying. The financials say it’s thriving.
I’m a diehard White Sox fan. Jose Abreu will always be one of my favorite Sox players of all time, but three years at $19.5 million a year is crazy.
It won’t seem crazy if they’re holding the World Series trophy again next fall.
Exactly, $20 million for an aging 1B would be silly for say the Pirates, where I question Santana at $6+ million. But on Houston, this signing is a good fit. If it is a slight overpay by giving the third year, Houston is one of the teams where it still made sense if it was needed to seal the deal.
Agreed. It just didn’t make sense for the White Sox to keep Abreu, especially at that price. I’m happy for him and his family, and I’ll be pulling for him to get a ring. We know there was no way in hell he was getting a championship with the Sox.
No what’s crazy is that Anderson, Jimenez, Moncada, and Roberts are still getting paid even though they’re a pile of corpses. Abreu is lucky to get away from that debacle while he’s still able to help another team win. Good for him he deserves to win. While we’re on the topic of stiffs in White Sox uniforms how about them sending Giolito out there start after start with his gas can or their grossly over paid catcher who barely contributes anything?
Hey Abreu and Bogaerts have the same career batting average: .292
Although Abreu has the shrunken monkey head beard
When they talked on the news on this they showed a line up of Altuve, Peña, Alvarez as DH, Bergman, Tucker, Abreu as 1st, and Chas as LF, Meyers as CF, and round out with Maldy. So guess still hung up on Meyers for CF. Now if get Conforto who knows. I know with Conforto he had shoulder surgery in April to Brantley having late in the season. I do like this but we shall see.
From what I am reading from multiple Houston media posts, Conforto, Nimmo, Bellinger and Brantley are all still options Astros are pursuing. I also wonder if they might trade a starter like Jose Urquidy for an outfielder. And then sign Chris Bassitt or similar as a replacement in the 6 man rotation.
Urquidy is a better option than Bassitt and he’s much cheaper and much younger. They don’t need starting pitching at all and may be the only team that doesn’t. With that said they might still add a depth arm but trading a younger Urquidy for an old expensive Bassitt can’t be a good move. I’d have no issue running Javier, Garcia, McCullers, Valdez, and Urquidy out there as my staff and I’m sure every team would love the same. Plus they have Brown in the wings as well if there’s an injury. They’re loaded.
Astros are engaged in discussions with Benintendi, Nimmo, and Conforto.
Verlander is leaning towards leaving the Astros.
Astros are doing their best to sign Tucker long-term.
This is the best scenario for Abreu
Jose Abreu explains why he signed with the Astros:
“I was tired of the cold and always losing.”
Not! Houston is the best team in baseball, and has been for the past 6 years, he is old – declining, and deserves a ring, period. Good for him, but the WS were done with him because of Vaughn. Both teams are good after this move, but poor AL and NY. LOL. If Verlander comes back, will Houston be back on top?
It sucks for White Sox fans but that’s baseball. I’m a huge Abreu fan he hits every year and you don’t hear a peep out of him. He just plays ball it’s a great signing for Houston looking to keep the train rolling along.
What ever happened to the guy making pics of players wearing their new team colors?
I’m sure he’ll feel at home there since Houston and Cuba are pretty much the same thing.
In what way are they same? I live in Houston so just curious.
Odd comment of the day.
What the hell does this mean??
@LGStros
He’s talking about the weather…the brutal, tropical summers. If anything, Houston is worse than the island, but Jose should feel more at home..
20 million a season for 3 years for a 35 year old. Dang. I guess pineapple Was 39 so..