Former Houston Astros first baseman Jose Abreu was released on June 14, 2024, after an incredibly disappointing season.
Abreu likely feels the worst about his performance, despite his efforts. Sometimes, continuing to push through challenges becomes futile, which is what Houston’s general manager Dana Brown and the Astros ultimately concluded. Meanwhile, Abreu, 37, walks away with over $30 million remaining on his three-year, $58 million contract that runs through 2025.
However, there may be a silver lining for both Abreu and any team willing to take a low-cost chance on him. If the 2020 American League MVP can regain some form by September, he could become a valuable asset.
A Start to Forget
Abreu’s stats are abysmal, with a 3 wRC+ and -1.5 fWAR. His struggles in 2024 are undeniable. After hitting below .100 (.099 batting average) with a .269 OPS in his first month, Abreu was sent to the Astros’ Spring Training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., to try and find his rhythm.
“We think [once] we can get José in this environment, that there’s a lot of good things that can come out of this,” said Dana Brown to MLB.com. “Both sides agreed to this move. We’re confident that focusing on specific areas like rhythm, timing, and keeping his eye on the ball will help. … Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
Despite returning to the majors, Abreu’s subsequent 43 plate appearances convinced the Astros’ front office to move on.
What’s Next for Abreu?
Any team interested in Abreu wouldn’t need to spend much, as his acquisition would be financially minimal for any serious postseason contender.
Currently, six teams are favored to win the World Series: Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, Braves, Orioles, Mariners, and Guardians. Beyond the Yankees, several other contenders could benefit from Abreu’s postseason experience.
Aging but Experienced
Some believe Abreu’s career is over, similar to the doubts surrounding Albert Pujols late in his career. Pujols, at 42, revitalized his career, especially during the last 2.5 months of 2022, captivating fans and challenging for the best second-half performance.
While not directly comparing Abreu to Pujols, Abreu still has potential. He performed well in the postseason as recently as October 2023, hitting .300/.352/.652/.1005 across two series.
Despite a rough start to 2024, Abreu’s overall postseason record (.306/.375/.542/.917 with 5 home runs and 18 RBI) remains impressive.
Any team that takes a chance on Abreu could benefit from his postseason prowess come September and October. Betting on Abreu to deliver in crucial moments could pay off significantly.