HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 16: Jose Abreu #79 of the Houston Astros runs out a hit during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park on June 16, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
MLB Rumors: Astros are done with the Jose Abreu experience
While replacing Yuli Gurriel with Jose Abreu looked like a major upgrade at the time said contract was agreed upon this winter, that’s been anything but the case. Abreu hasn’t been hitting well, slashing just .229/.279/.308 so far this season.
Abreu was on a slight downward trend to begin the year, but no one saw this kind of decline coming. The 36-year-old is in a battle with father time, and it’s starting to look like he might not come out on top. CBS Sports’ recent synopsis of Abreu’s struggles suggests why Houston is unhappy, and why his future with the Astros is as murky as ever.
“Abreu had a six-game hot streak earlier this month, going 11 for 27 (.407) with three home runs from June 8-14, but he took a 2 for 19 (.105) slump and a .224/.279/.309 season batting line into Tuesday night’s game. He has been one of the least productive first baseman in baseball and there are troubling signs aplenty. Abreu’s chase rate spiked over the 28.5% MLB average in the middle of last season and it has remained elevated,” Mike Axisa wrote.
Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic, it’s not absurd to think that the Astros could move off of Abreu as soon as the trade deadline, if they can.
“It looks like age and decline have caught up with Abreu, 36. If the Astros can get out from under some of the $39 million they’ll owe him in 2024 and 2025, they will.”
Bowden went on to comment on how Andrew Vaughn, another trade candidate, has all but replaced Abreu’s production with the White Sox.
Houston will want to buy, as well, in their quest for a repeat World Series appearance. But it won’t come easily.