Chicago White Sox 2021 Season Preview: Jose Abreu
The Chicago White Sox are a team loaded with talent. They believe in their chances to win the World Series in 2021 which is a sight for sore eyes. It all starts and ends with Jose Abreu who has been their best player since he arrived. In 2020, he won the American League MVP as he was the best player to suit up for an AL team during the 60 game marathon. The White Sox are lucky to have him going into 2021 as they expect him to lead the way.
After the 2019 season ended, it was a question whether or not Abreu would even be with the White Sox going forward. The two sides stayed loyal to each other during the rebuild and each side is reaping the rewards of those decisions now. We are finally seeing what Abreu is capable of on a really good baseball team with elite players around him.
In 2020, Abreu led the league with 60 RBIs. He also had a slash line of .317/.370/.617 for an OPS of .987. He had 19 home runs, 43 runs scored, and 76 hits. All of that accumulated a 3.1 WAR for Abreu through 60 games. He played in every game so it was a very impressive season for him all around. The MVP seemed pretty obvious for him once the season came to an end.
We knew all along that Abreu was one of the best hitters in the American League. He finally had a chance to shine on a playoff team. Going forward, the regular season stuff is going to become less important as this team has deep playoff expectations. Abreu doesn’t need to be an MVP again in 2021 but he does need to be one of the team’s best hitters. With studs like Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, and Yoan Moncada amongst others around him, he should be all good to go.
There is also a new backup first baseman and designated hitter to help take the pressure off. Andrew Vaughn is going to be so awesome for Abreu as he might get to DH from time to time as well. Yasmani Grandal also has the ability to play first base if needed.
light. Related Story. Andrew Vaughn demolishes his first spring home run
2021 Expectations:
Nobody should expect Jose Abreu to win the MVP again. There are so many great players in the American League and only one can win the award. It also doesn’t help that the White Sox have five other players who are talented enough to be in that conversation. What Abreu can do is be one of the team’s best power and contact bats. With the talent around, he should be able to take full advantage and have monster RBI numbers again. If he is able to have a great season again, the White Sox are going to live up to these lofty expectations.