The latest domino has fallen in the free agent market.
According to Bob Nightengale, the defending World Series champion Houston Astros are in the process of finalizing a three-year deal with slugger Jose Abreu.
The 35-year-old came up with the Chicago White Sox in 2014 and became a fixture in the middle of their lineup.
After letting Yuli Gurriel walk, the Astros had a need for a first baseman.
With the Abreu signing, that need is filled.
Meanwhile, White Sox fans are none too happy.
Abreu was a fan favorite on the South Side of Chicago after spending nine years with the organization.
On Twitter, one White Sox analyst expressed his frustration and disbelief over the deal, calling out the organization for letting the slugger walk.
What does it say that the World Series Champion Astros jumped at signing Jose Abreu and the #WhiteSox let him go for nothing?! One of the best players in franchise history just discarded when he was still good & didn’t want to leave is just on the best team in baseball now pic.twitter.com/lqNQ5BSyEn
— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) November 28, 2022
Abreu Bolts For Houston
The veteran first baseman was an MVP, Rookie of the Year, three-time Silver Slugger, and three-time All-Star during his time in Chicago.
This past season, Abreu hit .304 with 15 home runs and posted a respectable 4.2 WAR.
Needless to say, White Sox fans and analysts alike are in shock over the team’s decision to not bring him back.
The team also did not extend a qualifying offer to the slugger, which means that they will not receive a compensation draft pick as a result of his departure.
So in essence, the White Sox let him go for nothing while he was still productive.
Abreu was also one of the best players in franchise history.
Over nine seasons in Chicago, Abreu had an average of .292 and amassed a total of 243 home runs.
NEXT: MLB Insider Shares Full Details Of Mike Clevinger's New Deal