The Chicago White Sox lost slugger Jose Abreu to free agency: the Cuban star and former AL MVP signed with the reigning World Series champions, the Houston Astros, on Monday.
Abreu agreed to sign a three-year deal worth around $60 million, roughly $20 million per season.
That’s a nice contract for a 35-year-old slugger who plays a corner position, but he is more than worth the investment.
He leaves a huge hole in the White Sox’s lineup, and in the organization as a whole.
He was seen as a clubhouse leader and was beloved by fans, who have been hurting ever since they found out he is going to play in Houston.
The franchise, however, didn’t want to go as far as the Astros in negotiations for Abreu (they showed interest and did make an offer) because they feel they have a worthy replacement in line to take over at first base.
“Rick Hahn said they’re ‘very bullish’ on Andrew Vaughn‘s future and that they feel this team will be better when they have less guys playing out of position. He said they don’t see first base as a position of need right now, even with José Abreu joining the Astros today,” White Sox insider James Fegan tweeted.
Rick Hahn said they're "very bullish" on Andrew Vaughn's future and that they feel this team will be better when they have less guys playing out of position. He said they don't see first base as a position of need right now, even with José Abreu joining the Astros today.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) November 29, 2022
Vaughn Had A Solid 2022
Indeed, the White Sox had several people playing out of position last year, and one of them was Vaughn.
A first baseman by trade, he was forced to play a lot of outfield because Abreu was a regular.
Now, with Abreu out of the picture, first base is Vaughn’s to lose.
The young thumper had a solid 2022 offensively, with a .271/.321/.429 line, 17 home runs, and 76 RBI.
According to wRC+, he was above average offensively with a 113 mark.
Still 24 and with a bright future ahead of him, 2023 will be Vaughn’s time to shine.
Yes, Jose was dearly loved. Not quite a Frank Thomas, but a first-class guy. Why do the Astros need him? They have two or three FB’s already, Nice to have 60 million to throw around, Vaughn may fill the spot, but he’s never going to be another Jose, What the Sox really need is a new owner, and then a manager not as old as Biden.