MLB rumors: Will geography play a big role in Jose Abreu decision?

Slugging first baseman/designated hitter Jose Abreu is on the short list for several MLB teams. However, the 35-year-old free agent may have his eye on working out a deal to land in a Florida destination.

Rumors: MLB free agent Jose Abreu may be swayed to play in Florida for personal reasons

Abreu is a native of Cuba and owns a house south of Miami. Those two factors, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal in this article for The Athletic (subscription required), may help either the Miami Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays have an edge if they choose to pursue Abreu this offseason.

On paper, both Miami and Tampa Bay could use someone like Abreu at first base and in their lineup. Last season, his ninth with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu posted a 133 OPS+ while slashing  .304/.378/.446 with 15 home runs and 75 RBI. That 133 OPS+ was the highest he had posted since the pandemic-shortened season of 2020 when he earned American League MVP honors with a league-high 60 RBI and 148 total bases.

But, with Abreu turning 36, will he opt to join a team that is closer to chasing a World Series this season rather than staying near the area that is dear to his heart? The San Diego Padres have been linked to Abreu in rumors this offseason, and the defending World Champion Houston Astros are also looking for help at first base. Based on their deep postseason runs last year, either of those teams would be considered a contender where Abreu could make an immediate impact.

After making the postseason again last year, would Abreu consider Tampa Bay enough of a contender to sign? All of the stars could align for him under that scenario.

Abreu signed a three-year, $50 million heading into the 2020 campaign, so he will not come cheap for whatever team lands him this offseason. Along with Josh Bell, Abreu is considered one of the top free agent options available at first base and is expected to land a multi-year deal.

Will that deal be somewhere in the Sunshine State? With Abreu’s connections to the area, don’t count out the Marlins or Rays as a potential destination for the three-time All-Star.