White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf talks with first baseman José Abreu before a game against the Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 9, 2022. (Armando L. Sanchez, Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tri)
Chicago White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf summed up José Abreu’s legacy with the team as belonging “among the roster of White Sox franchise all-time greats.”
Reinsdorf thanked and praised Abreu, who signed a three-year deal with the Houston Astros on Monday after spending his first nine seasons as the Sox first baseman.
“His determination and commitment to the game each and every day made him the consummate professional, always leading by example,” Reinsdorf said in a statement Tuesday.
The 2020 American League Most Valuable Player and three-time All-Star ranks in the franchise’s top 10 in several offensive categories, including third with 243 home runs.
Abreu, through an interpreter, told reporters Tuesday in Houston that the Sox “made me an offer.”
“It was a really good offer, but I think we’ll leave it there,” Abreu said. “I think God knows why he does what he does, and so we’re here.”
Financial terms of the deal with the Astros were not released, but it’s reportedly worth close to $60 million.
“It’s always a difficult day from an emotional standpoint or from a fan standpoint when you see a franchise icon don another uniform,” Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a video conference call Tuesday. “It’s a day that nobody ever envisions seeing, but the realities of the business side sometimes dictate that such things happen.”
Hahn did not want to discuss negotiations or an offer, noting, “We only talk about deals that happen.”
Abreu slashed .304/.378/.446 with 15 homers and 75 RBIs in 157 games in 2022.
“It was my fervent hope that José would never wear another uniform, as I told him many times throughout the years,” Reinsdorf said in the statement. “Unfortunately, hope is not always translated into reality.
“While we ended up in different places in the business side of the game, José and I always shared the same love of baseball. I am grateful to José for his friendship and the impact he made for the White Sox franchise both on the field and in the community.
“I want to thank him for always representing the values of the White Sox organization and the great city of Chicago — strength, hard work, pride and tenacity. His legacy is written in the White Sox record books forever.”
The Sox open the season against Abreu and the Astros on March 30 in Houston.
“It’s only fitting that we’re playing the White Sox for opening day,” Abreu said, according to The Associated Press. “I’m just going to continue working this whole time and just give it my all.”
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Originally published at Tribune News Service