Jose Abreu is becoming one of the greatest players in the history of the Chicago White Sox. Year after year, he proves to be one of the most consistent run producers in Major League Baseball. Now, he is seeming like a player who could have his number retired and flirt with the Hall of Fame. It was a pleasure to watch him in 2021.
A year after winning the MVP of the American League, it was going to be tough to be that good. He wasn’t RBI-per-game in 2021 but he was very productive once again. He slashed .261/.351/.481 for an OPS of .831. He also had 30 home runs with 117 RBIs and 86 runs scored so it was another incredible year for him.
Abreu’s campaign earned him a 3.0 WAR and a 14th place finish on the AL MVP ballot. As good of a season as it was for Abreu, we know that he can be even better. Something was off with him in terms of his body language but he was still an incredible player.
Abreu took some abuse physically this year. He was beaned north of 20 times and many of them were extremely painful and dangerous. He also had a few collisions during the season that forced him to feel some pain. In typical Abreu fashion, however, he played most of the season.
Even with a COVID-19 battle right before the season and another illness right at the end of the season, it was clear that the White Sox were always able to rely on Jose Abreu to be there for them. When he does play, he is incredible which makes it even more impressive.
2021 Final Grade: A+
No matter what, Jose Abreu gets an A+. He is a very good player that is now viewed (and rightfully so) as one of the best hitters in the game. He continues to have 30/100 every single season which helps the White Sox win tons of games. He also plays an elite defensive first base which makes him even more impressive.
2022 Expectations:
Jose Abreu is going to be one of the best players on one of the best teams. He can hit for contact at an incredible rate and he provides elite power as proven by his career numbers. With some of the studs that the White Sox have in their lineup, Abreu is more protected now in the lineup than he ever was in his career which is incredibly helpful as well. Expect another big year from him on a first-place team.