By: Celeste Spaghetti
After a long and disappointing season for the Chicago White Sox, all eyes are on what’s next for 2020 AL MVP José Abreu, who enters free agency this off-season.
Despite his unwavering loyalty to the shambling organization, it is likely that Abreu will not return to the White Sox next year. After all, it’s no secret that the White Sox are not short on young-first-basemen-turned-tragic-outfielders (see Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets). And even though the new MLB rules are increasing bag size, there’s simply not enough room for all three first basemen on the roster as the White Sox look to cultivate a young core-something they notoriously don’t have.
So that begs the question, where will Abreu go? In this article, I’ve picked one team from each division that could be a good landing spot for MVPito. And of course, I’ll probably be completely wrong and he will end up with none of them, but whatever, I tried.
1. AL East: Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox, who also had an extremely disappointing season, are facing their own questions about their future first basement. This past year, first base was manned mostly by Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero. The Red Sox also acquired Eric Hosmer from the Padres this season and promoted Triston Casas to the big leagues on September 4, 2022 after only nine games in Triple-A.
The problem for the Red Sox is that Eric Hosmer and Triston Casas are both left-handed hitters, and Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero are not good. It would make sense for the Red Sox to trade Hosmer and have Casas as a nice left-handed back up to veteran right-hander José Abreu. This would be a welcome addition for the Red Sox who are looking to rebound in 2023.
2. AL Central: Kansas City Royals
Determining where Abreu might fit in the AL Central is more of a process of elimination than any particular hole to fill. Assuming the White Sox are not contenders, the Royals, who recently fired manager Mike Matheny after a crappy season, make the most sense.
The Guardians’ have solid first basemen in 25 year-old Josh Naylor and backup Owen Miller. Naylor slashed .256/.319/.771 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs in 2022 (not including post-season). Adding Abreu would not add much value here.
Likewise, the Twins have a great first basemen in Luis Arráez, who just stole the Triple Crown from Aaron Judge this season by winning the AL Batting Title. The Tigers have no need for a first basemen either as they are developing prospects Kody Clemens and Spencer Torkelson and have a year left of Miguel Cabrera.
So, that leaves the Royals, whose best first basemen is currently Hunter Dozier, who is mid and old.
3. AL West: Los Angeles Angels
The Angels were right up there with the White Sox with an under-performing 2022 season. But this club has the tools to turn it around in 2023 if they make the right moves. And it’s clear that that’s the direction they are heading, as they recently signed two-way star Shohei Ohtani to a $30 million contract for 2023, locking him in for at least another year.
The Angels’ primary first basemen is Jared Walsh, who, after a breakout 2021 season, had a -0.7 WAR 2022 season before ultimately being shut down for thoracic outlet syndrome. Walsh expects to bounce back in 2023, but if the Angels want to make a real splash they may want to consider a veteran like José Abreu, even if for just a year.
4. NL East: Miami Marlins
Like the AL Central, the NL East isn’t a particularly good fit for Abreu in the first place. Contenders New York Mets are stacked at first base with slugger Pete Alonso and back-up Daniel Vogelbach, and the Atlanta Braves just acquired Matt Olson from the A’s this past year. And speaking of the Oakland A’s, that move would make sense for nobody as they are in the middle of a rebuild and, let’s face it, Abreu deserves to be on at least a decent team.
So that leaves the Miami Marlins, who were previously rumored to be interest in Abreu when he was first catching the league’s attention in Cuba. It’s admittedly not a great fit, but it would be upgrade from current Marlins first baseman Garrett Cooper. Also, it would give Abreu the welcome chance to play in warm weather the whole season, where he thrives.
5. NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers don’t have a hole to fill at first base with regular first baseman Rowdy Tellez doing just fine. But Abreu could be a good right-handed complement to Tellez’s lefty bat. He could also be used as a DH. This move would add depth to a good team that can be streaky at times, and would increase Abreu’s chances at more post-season wins than he ever got with the White Sox.
6. NL West: San Francisco Giants
The Giants already have a precedent for profitting off of Jerry Reinsdorf’s scraps (see Carlos Rodón). There are also grumblings that it may be time for the SF Giants to move on from longtime first baseman Brandon Belt. Belt did not put up as much production as expected this year, and is due for a new contract. Other options for first baseman on the SF Giants are utility-man Wilmer Flores or career third baseman J.D. Davis.
Of course, replacing Brandon Belt with an even older José Abreu wouldn’t make a huge splash in the franchise, but it may move the needle just enough, and both Belt and Abreu may benefit from a change of scenery. I’m sure Carlos Rodón would be happy to be re-united with the man who saved his no hitter.
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