Jose Abreu, White Sox avoid arbitration

Jose Abreu and the White Sox avoid going to arbitration hearing with a new contract.

The Chicago White Sox and first baseman Jose Abreu have agreed to a new contract before Friday’s deadline. The two sides avoid an arbitration hearing as the White Sox will dish out $13 million to their star slugger.

Abreu is viewed as a key piece to the White Sox’s future success. Even though the last few seasons haven’t brought a great deal of success to the organization, a mold is in place to bring more trophies to Chicago in the near future. The White Sox have arguably the MLB’s best farm system, which only got stronger after dealing Chris Sale last year. Chicago views Abreu as a crucial leader — both on and off the field.

Abreu’s arbitration agreement is the third-highest thus far among players signing to avoid the deadline — only trailing Toronto’s Josh Donaldson ($23 million) and Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon ($14 million). The White Sox wanted to treat their star first baseman in hopes he’ll stay in the Windy City for years to come. With great things on the horizon, Abreu is the center piece for a rebuild. Abreu has two years remaining on his original six-year, $68 million deal. However, he opted out of the guaranteed salaries back in 2016. He’ll earn more money than previously agreed upon this season due to the fact he avoids arbitration — as he did last season, as well.

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Since receiving his call up to the show a few seasons ago, Abreu has been fantastic. The 30-year-old has been one of the lone bright spots for the White Sox in recent years. Over the course of his four-year career, Abreu has hit .301 and a total of 124 home runs. Last season, he hit .304 with 33 home runs and 102 RBIs.