If yesterday’s news about Jose Abreu didn’t signal that the Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t in the running, then today’s news will. Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that the Cuban first baseman has narrowed his list down to three teams. Those teams are the Astros, Red Sox, and White Sox. Sanchez says the deal could be in the $70 M range, which is the same as what Buster Olney reported yesterday.
Abreu’s bat and his power potential are very appealing, although it’s interesting that he’s looking at American League teams. Since we can assume that Abreu is only going to be following the money, then this could show that American League teams were going after him harder than National League teams. There have been concerns about his defense, and the presence of the designated hitter in the AL could be why those teams have more interest in Abreu.
Earlier today I wrote about how I thought James Loney would make the most sense for the Pirates. While I think that Abreu will provide a lot of offensive value, I think that a Loney/Gaby Sanchez platoon could provide the same overall value when you consider defense, average, and on-base percentage.
UPDATE 8:27 PM: Ken Rosenthal says that Abreu is finalizing a six year, $68 M deal, expected to be with the White Sox.
Jose Abreu finalizing terms on six-year, $68M deal. Club expected to be #WhiteSox. Deal will be largest first-time contract for int’l player
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 18, 2013
