Jose Abreu was selected to three All-Star Games in his first 10 seasons in the major leagues, won three Silver Slugger Awards and won the MVP award in the canceled 2020 season — soon to be a Class-A player.
The Houston Astros announced Tuesday that their first baseman, who has struggled at the major league level, will be sent to the minor leagues on Tuesday.
Abreu signed a three-year deal worth about $60 million with Houston before the 2023 season, posting a career-low slash line of .237/.296/.383 — in 22 major league games this season. He has a batting average of .099.
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Jose Abreu, No. 79, of the Houston Astros plays against the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park on April 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Logan Riley/Getty Images)
General manager Dana Brown said the decision was made after a meeting that included himself, Abreu, coaches and front office staff. Abreu hasn’t been arbitration eligible for a long time, so he said he had to accept the option.
Brown said Abreu was very receptive during their conversations and had a good attitude about the move.
“Jose Abreu is an outstanding human being,” Brown said. “He’s unselfish, he’s a teammate, he wants to get back to what he was doing last fall. And in the middle of this conversation, it’s clear that this guy has a passion and is helping the team. You can tell we’re determined to get back to the team.
Jose Abreu, No. 79 of the Houston Astros, breaks his bat in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves on April 15, 2024 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. All players wear number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
“So he selfishly agreed to return to West Palm Beach to get some extra at-bats and receive detailed instructions on what could be done to get him back,” Brown continued.
“He was getting to the point where he was getting frustrated,” Brown added. “It’s unusual for him to do that. But I think it speaks to his dedication and commitment and I don’t think he sees this as a long-term thing and we don’t see it as a long-term thing. I don’t think it’s a thing. I think it’s more like, let’s step back and adjust, get our rhythm and timing back, and in his eyes, “I’ll be back in a few weeks.” It takes time to get better. ”
He recorded just one extra-base hit and three RBIs in his young season.
Jose Abreu, No. 79, of the Houston Astros plays against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 8, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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Abreu isn’t the only one struggling in Houston — the Astros entered Tuesday’s game with a 9-19 record.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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