Astros add former AL MVP Jose Abreu on three-year deal

First baseman Jose Abreu. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Astros add to loaded roster with addition of former MVP Jose Abreu

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/28/22

The World Series-champion Houston Astros are adding to their already loaded roster , agreeing to a three-year contract with first baseman Jose Abreu, according to multiple reports.

The champs are adding to their offense.

José Abreu and the Astros have reportedly agreed to a deal, per MLB Network's @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/2cjlB9dulU
— MLB (@MLB) November 28, 2022

Jose Abreu is expected to receive a 3-year contract from the #Astros once finalized.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 28, 2022

With the expected addition of Abreu, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart noted that career-long Astro Yuli Gurriel -- a free agent -- will likely be losing his starting job, if he re-signs with Houston.

The signing of José Abreu would bring an end to Yuli Gurriel's tenure as Houston's full-time 1B. Gurriel is a free agent and the Astros have interest in bringing him back in a utility role.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) November 28, 2022

Depending on how the rest of the offseason shakes out for the Astros, they could enter 2023 with a pair of former MVPs on the right side of their infield. Abreu captured the AL MVP honor during the 2020 pandemic-shortened campaign and second baseman Jose Altuve won the award in 2017.

The left side of the Houston infield is stocked with talent as well with two-time All-Star Alex Bregman manning third base and Jeremy Peña at shortstop. Peña won a Gold Glove award as a rookie this year and was named both the ALCS and World Series MVP.

Abreu has spent his entire career with the Chicago White Sox after signing as an amateur free agent in October 2013 and making his big league debut in 2014. He was named the 2014 AL Rookie of the Year and earned All-Star honors in 2014, 2018 and 2019.

The 35-year-old Abreu finished the 2022 season with a career-low 15 home runs to go with 75 RBI and a career-high 62 walks. He posted a .304/.378/.446 slash line across 601 at-bats in 157 games and finished 17th in the AL MVP voting.

Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reported Monday afternoon that Abreu's deal is "expected to be around $60 million."

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