Jose Abreu might have played in the final game of his Chicago White Sox career on Tuesday night. It is sounding like he won’t be in the lineup for the season finale on Wednesday afternoon. He has been one of the greatest players to ever dawn the uniform at any time.
Everyone who has watched this man play over the years has been brought so much joy. He always played the game hard, smart, and with every ounce of effort that he could possibly give. There were times that it was so tough to be playing through incredible pain but he did it anyway.
This dude clearly loves the game of baseball, the fans, and all of his teammates. His dedication to the White Sox over the years has been paramount to everything positive that they’ve done. He even won an American League MVP while wearing a White Sox uniform.
He took the place of a Chicago White Sox legend in Paul Konerko. Paulie wasn’t a Hall of Famer but he certainly is just short of being one. Despite that, he is one of the very best players to ever play for the White Sox and you can argue that Abreu has been even better since taking his spot. The only thing that hasn’t come is postseason success.
The Chicago White Sox are going to have a big decision to make with Jose Abreu.
As mentioned before, not playing in the season finale on Wednesday could mean that he has played in his last game for the White Sox. That is tough to see as it would have been nice for them to do something that allows him to be honored the right way but we won’t get it.
Before Tuesday’s game, Abreu had some interesting things to say. He was very high on the future of this team with or without him. He also made it clear that he intends to play next season but recognizes that it might not be with the White Sox.
Free-agent Jose Abreu says he hasn’t had any conversations with the White Sox about his future. Will he be emotional these last two games knowing they could be his last as a Sox? “I don’t like goodbyes. I’m a White Sox today and tomorrow and then we’ll see from there.” @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/VfxM9NyVnB
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) October 4, 2022
José Abreu emphatic that he wants to play next season, saying his hunger for the game is still strong. Other than a few words in a thank you to Sox fans — that it’s been a great nine years and he hopes there are more — not much to offer on a desire to be back on the South Side.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) October 4, 2022
Unsurprisingly, Abreu still has a great belief in the Sox and the teammates he’s helped grow up. Asked if these guys are still capable of achieving their championship-level goals, he responded: “100 percent.”
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) October 4, 2022
That is a long way away from what he said after 2020 when he claimed that he is playing for the White Sox no matter what. He said at the time that he would sign himself if he had to. Now, it seems like he doesn’t know for sure what the future holds, and it’s sad.
A lot of people want Abreu gone because of his age and the log jam of first baseman/designated hitter-type players. However, he led the White Sox in so many offensive categories that it is hard to think about getting rid of him at this point of the contention window.
Regardless, it is up to the powers that be at the White Sox to make that decision. If Abreu’s time is done, we will thank him properly. If not, it would be nice to see them back in the playoff race next year. We will see.