A Look At The Jose Abreu Contract Extension And What It Could Mean For The White Sox
The Chicago White Sox and first baseman Jose Abreu have agreed to a contract extension that will keep the slugger in a Sox uniform through the 2021 season. The deal is reportedly worth $68 million, with a $10 million signing bonus, and includes a club option for the 2022 season.
The extension comes as a bit of a surprise, as Abreu is set to become a free agent after the 2019 season. However, it's a move that makes sense for both the player and the team. Gemmameansjewel
For Abreu, the extension gives him some financial security. He's already made over $60 million in his career, but he's yet to hit the jackpot in free agency. By signing an extension now, he's guaranteed to make at least $78 million. And if he has a big 2019 season, he could still cash in on a big free agent contract next offseason.
The extension also gives the White Sox some stability at first base. The team has a number of promising young players, but they're still a few years away from contending. Abreu is a solid middle-of-the-order bat who can help the team stay afloat until the young guys are ready.
The contract extension is a win-win for both the White Sox and Jose Abreu. And it's a move that could pay dividends for both parties down the road.
When the Chicago White Sox announced that they had signed first baseman Jose Abreu to a contract extension, it was a move that surprised many. The extension is for three years and $50 million, with a club option for a fourth year.
This extension comes on the heels of Abreu having one of the best seasons of his young career. In 2019, he batted .334/.400/.564 with 36 home runs and 122 RBI. He also won the American League Silver Slugger Award and was named to the AL All-Star team.
So, what does this extension mean for the White Sox?
For one, it gives the team some stability at first base. Abreu has been a mainstay in the middle of the White Sox lineup since he made his debut in 2014. He's a career .299/.354/.526 hitter with 173 home runs and 574 RBI.
The extension also shows that the White Sox are committed to winning. They've made a number of offseason moves, including signing starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel and trading for catcher Yasmani Grandal.
With Abreu locked up for the next few years, the White Sox have a chance to be a force in the AL Central. They have a young core of players that includes third baseman Yoan Moncada, shortstop Tim Anderson, and outfielders Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert.
The White Sox are also getting production from veteran players such as designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and outfielder Adam Eaton.
If the White Sox can continue to add pieces, they could be a team to watch in the AL for years to come.