Houston Astros reportedly set to sign Jose Abreu

The Houston Astros had a major hole at first base heading into the offseason. That may not be the case much longer.

According to Bob Nightengale from USA Today, the Astros are finalizing a deal for Jose Abreu. He further reported that this is expected to be a three year deal once finalized.

Houston Astros get exactly what they need in Jose Abreu

It was clear that the Astros needed to improve at first base heading into 2023. Astros first basemen combined for -1.4 bWAR in 2022, a mark that was only better than the Pirates. As a group, they produced a .231/.276/.344 batting line with ten homers. The fact that the Astros were able to win the World Series with that little production at such an important offensive spot in the lineup is somewhat miraculous.

Abreu may be getting older, but he still showed that he could get the job done. He posted a solid .304/.378/.446 batting line with 15 homers and 40 doubles in his 679 plate appearances. Even at 35 years old, he was still a dangerous part of the White Sox lineup.

He is also the proven run producer that the Astros needed to bring in. Abreu has hit 30 or more homers and driven in over 100 runs in five different seasons in his career. A three time All Star and the 2020 AL MVP, he has been able to perform at a high level for years.

The Astros are taking a bit of a gamble that he will continue to do so. A three year deal would lock Abreu in until he is 38 years old, making it a bit of a gamble. But he is the type of player that could age gracefully given his ability to draw a walk and make consistent contact. It is a move that the Astros had to make as they look to repeat in 2023.

The Houston Astros have filled one of the biggest holes in their lineup. According to reports, they have signed Jose Abreu to a three year deal.