The Houston Astros are taking drastic measures by optioning former American League Most Valuable Player Jose Abreu to the minor leagues following a poor start to the 2024 season. Abreu, who is 37 years old, has struggled with a .099 batting average and just seven hits in his first 77 plate appearances. This decision comes as a surprise considering Abreu’s previous success, including hitting 18 home runs and driving in 90 RBIs for the Astros last season. The team is currently struggling with a 9-19 record, only ahead of the rebuilding Chicago White Sox in the American League standings.
The Astros, who have reached the AL Championship Series in the last six seasons, had high expectations for this season after committing over $100 million to free agents during the offseason. However, they have not seen a significant return on their investment so far. Abreu, who is set to earn $19.5 million in salary over the next two seasons, was signed to a three-year, $58.5 million contract in November 2022. The decision to send Abreu to the minor leagues is rare for a player with 10 years of service time, as players with more than five years of service time typically need to give consent for an optional assignment.
Abreu, who has a career .284 batting average with 261 home runs and 956 RBIs, was originally signed as a free agent out of Cuba in October 2013. He had a successful tenure with the Chicago White Sox before joining the Astros in 2023. Despite his previous accomplishments, Abreu has struggled to perform at his usual level with the Astros, leading to the decision to send him down to the minor leagues to work on his game. This move highlights the challenges that even experienced players can face in a competitive league like MLB.
The Astros’ decision to sign Abreu to a lucrative contract just over a year ago now appears to be controversial, as the team is not getting the production they had hoped for. The team’s payroll is projected to be $253 million for salary tax purposes, putting them well above the threshold that incurs a tax. While sending struggling players to the minor leagues is a common practice in baseball, it is rare for a player of Abreu’s caliber and experience to be optioned. This move demonstrates the team’s commitment to addressing performance issues and making necessary changes to improve their chances of success.
Overall, the Astros’ decision to send Jose Abreu down to the minor leagues reflects the team’s dedication to finding solutions and making changes when necessary. While the move may be surprising given Abreu’s previous achievements, it demonstrates the team’s commitment to success and willingness to take bold steps to improve their performance on the field. Abreu will now have the opportunity to work on his game and regain his form in the minor leagues before potentially returning to the Astros’ lineup in the future.
