Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu making a run for AL MVP
By David Hill
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is putting himself into the thick of the American League MVP discussion.
Jose Abreu had himself an absolutely ridiculous weekend. Not only did the Chicago White Sox first baseman tie a record by hitting a home run in four consecutive plate appearances, but he tied four other players for the most home runs hit in a three game series, slugging six homers overall.
That series capped off an impressive week for Abreu. In the past seven days, he has 16 hits in his 30 at bats, with three doubles and seven homers while driving in 15 runs. In that time, he took over the AL lead in homers and RBI, rocketing up the season leaderboards.
Meanwhile, the White Sox have ridden that hot streak into contention. They had won seven consecutive games prior to their 2-1 loss on Sunday, and are currently 17-12, two games behind the Twins for the AL Central in their quest to return to the postseason for the first time since 2008.
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That hot streak has pushed Abreu amongst the best in the league. Not only is he leading the AL in homers and RBI, but he ranks in the top ten in hits, doubles, batting average, OPS, and bWAR. While uber prospect Luis Robert may get all the attention, Abreu has been the best player on one of the top teams in the American League.
And that is something that voters recognize when it comes to the end of the year awards. They notice the best players on those top teams, recognizing the players who help push those teams into the postseason. At this point, Abreu is that player on the South Side of Chicago.
He has earned MVP votes four times, finishing as high as fourth during his rookie year in 2014. While that was easily Abreu’s best season in the majors, he is close to matching that level of production this season. With his signature moment this weekend, and the White Sox success, Abreu has launched himself into the MVP debate.
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Jose Abreu has been a key part of the Chicago White Sox success this season. His production, and their winning record, should lead to MVP consideration this year.