Earlier than the beginning of the 2023 season, the Houston Astros made a puzzling transfer: they signed a veteran, past-his-prime slugger in Jose Abreu to play first base.
Abreu, after all, had been probably the most productive gamers within the American League for nearly a decade with the Chicago White Sox.
He gained, amongst different awards and recognitions, the 2020 AL MVP.
Abreu, nonetheless, was by no means capable of stay as much as expectations in Houston.
Now, the staff has determined to maneuver on with out him.
“The Houston Astros released first baseman José Abreu. He is owed more than $30 million on the free agent deal he signed last year,” MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
The Houston Astros launched first baseman José Abreu. He’s owed greater than $30 million on the free agent deal he signed final 12 months.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 14, 2024
Abreu was 36 in the mean time of signing his multi-year cope with the ‘Stros.
It was a deal doomed to fail: Abreu had already confirmed indicators of decline on his final season with the White Sox.
He hit a disappointing .237/.296/.383 with 18 house runs, 90 RBI, and a .680 OPS in 2023.
Maybe the Astros might stay with that manufacturing this 12 months, however he has been even worse with a .124/.167/.195 line.
It’s laborious to justify placing a participant with these numbers within the lineup each day.
Nearly anybody within the minor leagues might do a greater job at this level.
It’s unhappy to see a former star failing to supply respectable numbers on account of age, nevertheless it’s a pure course of in MLB {and professional} sports activities.
It occurs on a regular basis, nevertheless it’s nonetheless unhappy.
In any case, Abreu ought to draw curiosity from different golf equipment on a less expensive contract, if he wishes to increase his profession.
