Chicago White Sox: What Jose Abreu means to the Organization
The Chicago White Sox are set to be World Series contenders in 2021 and they have Jose Abreu to thank. The Cuban-born first baseman signed with the White Sox in October of 2013 to a six-year contract worth $68 million. Since then, he has stuck through some of the toughest times this organization has seen. From his first season where the Sox finished with 89 losses to the tough 2018 season where the Sox lost 100 games, Abreu was there with a smile.
Jose Abreu is one of the most impactful players in the history of the Chicago White Sox.
Jose Abreu has been through it all for the organization. He’s grown a lot since his 2014 rookie campaign. Since claiming the Rookie of the Year honors that year, he’s gone on to win multiple Silver Slugger awards, multiple All-Star selections, and the coveted American League MVP award.
Abreu was rewarded during the 2019 offseason with a three-year, $50 million extension with the White Sox and he played well above that value in 2020 but Jose Abreu’s role with the team is much more than just being a stalwart first baseman. As much energy and passion that Tim Anderson brings to the team, it is Abreu who is the heart and soul of the organization.
The White Sox organization has historically had a Cuban connection that started with Minnie Minoso and it lives on through Jose Abreu. His Cuban roots have helped players like Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert grow and develop faster than we ever thought. It also had an impact on Yazmani Grandal’s free agency decision during the 2019 offseason.
Most importantly, Jose Abreu has been a big brother to everyone on the team. He is the second longest-tenured player in the organization, but the longest-tenured player on the professional team. His lovable personality that we see on the field has helped him build connections not just with the other Cuban-born players, but with all of the young players on the team.
From being the mentee to the mentor, Jose Abreu brings the heart, hustle, stability, and leadership the Chicago White Sox organization has needed for years. The way he has played over recent years has solidified his place as a top player in all of baseball but what is next for Jose Abreu? Bringing a championship to the city of Chicago.
Abreu’s incredible 2020 campaign that resulted in him winning the MVP award can only be bested if he helps deliver a championship to the city. Abreu needs to continue teaching and pushing along the young pieces on this team, helping them reach their full potential. He also needs to make sure the team stays on its toes.
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After the 2020 season, he had mentioned that after clinching a playoff berth, the team relaxed. If the goal is to win a championship, Abreu needs to make sure that the team takes no days off. As long as Jose Abreu continues to do what he has done for the last seven seasons, the Chicago White Sox are in a great position to bring home a World Series championship.