Jose Abreu says he’s his mom’s MVP and that’s what matters

Jose Abreu doesn’t care about the MVP race. He’s got his mom.

White Sox star Jose Abreu is in the playoffs for the first time in six years thanks to an MVP-type season. But the MVP race isn’t on his mind.

Abreu only cares what his mom thinks. Cue the heart-melting music.

“The MVP is something I can’t control. I know there are a lot of people rooting for me, and I appreciate that,” Abreu said through an interpreter. “But whatever’s going to happen is going to happen.

“What’s important is that I am my mom’s MVP every single day, and that’s what matters for me.”

Isn’t that lovely?

Jose Abreu has his mom’s MVP vote, but he deserves others.

Abreu may not focus on MVP voters besides his mom, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t rightly in the running for the award in the American League.

With a batting average of 0.327, Abreu is fourth in the AL. His slugging percentage if third at 0.635. His 17 homers are second. His 51 RBIs are first.

The individual achievement has been obvious. However, Abreu is also having a real team impact. His career year has helped drive the White Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2008. They became the first AL team to officially clinch on Thursday.

Chicago is also in line to secure their first AL Central title since 2008. They have a 2.5 game advantage on the Minnesota Twins with a 33-18 record, the best in the AL. This is an abbreviated season and there are still nine games to go, but the White Sox are chasing their first win percentage above 0.600 since 1983.

Basically, Chicago is having a stellar season and Abreu has been a big part of that.

He has plenty of competition for the MVP nod, including on his own roster. CBS Sports Mark Snyder gave the frontrunner nod to White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. The Indians’ Shane Bieber and Yankees’ D.J. LeMahieu are also in contention.