The Houston Astros have made a significant roster move by releasing first baseman José Abreu, who is still owed more than $30 million from his contract. This decision follows a period of underperformance by Abreu, who was signed to a three-year, $58.5 million deal before the 2023 season.
Abreu slashed .099/.156/.113 in 22 games, and on May 1st, he accepted a minor league assignment for the first time in his career, going to the Astros’ Spring Training facility in Florida. During his stint in the Florida Complex League, Abreu played 5 games and hit .318 with two doubles, a home run, and three RBIs. Following this, he played 2 games in Triple-A but went hitless in 7 at-bats
Abreu returned to the team on May 27th, going 1-for-3 in his first game back and hitting his first home run of the season on June 1st. However, he hit just .167 in 13 games before being released from the team. Abreu finished his season with the Astros slashing .124/.167/.195 in 35 games
Abreu’s time in Houston did not go as expected after signing his deal and leaving the White Sox, replacing fellow Cuban Yuli Gurriel at first base. Over his career with the Astros, he played 176 games and slashed .217/.275/.351 with a .625 OPS.
Abreu is one of the most decorated Cuban players in MLB history. A superstar in the Cuban National Series and international play for Cuba, Abreu signed a six-year, $68 million contract with the White Sox in 2013 at 26 years old. He won the 2014 AL Rookie of the Year, the 2020 AL MVP, is a three-time All-Star (2014, 2018,2019), a three-time Silver Slugger (2014, 2018, 2020), and also received the Hank Aaron Award in 2020. Abreu has led the AL in RBIs twice (2019,2020) and was selected for the 2020 All-MLB Second team
Abreu will be looking to find a new opportunity to continue his career in the majors.