The Houston Astros made a significant move on Friday by releasing José Abreu, the former American League MVP, before the completion of his three-year, $58.5 million contract. Abreu, 37, struggled this season with a batting average of .124, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs in 113 at-bats. He had been sent to the minors to work on his swing during the course of the season.
Abreu, a three-time All-Star during his tenure with the Chicago White Sox, claimed the AL MVP title in the shortened 2020 season. He had also been named the AL Rookie of the Year in 2014 after defecting from Cuba the year before. However, his performance declined notably after joining the Astros, hitting a career-low .237 last year with 18 home runs and 90 RBIs.
