(Houston) The Houston Astros released Jose Abreu on Friday, severing ties with a former American League Most Valuable Player winner before he even reached the halfway point of a contract. three years with a total value of 58.5 millionUS.
Abreu, 37, had a .124 batting average (14 hits in 113 plate appearances) with two homers and seven RBIs this season, during which he was assigned to the minor leagues to resolve his problems with his momentum.
The Astros still owe him approximately $30.8 million under the deal he signed before last season.
A three-time All-Star during his nine years with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu was voted his team’s Most Valuable Player during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He was chosen American League rookie of the year in 2014 after leaving his native island of Cuba the previous year.
His stats have declined dramatically with the Astros. Last year, he posted a .237 batting average, his lowest since entering major league baseball, with 18 home runs and 90 RBIs.
During his 11-season career, Abreu recorded a .283 batting average with 263 home runs and 960 RBIs.
The Astros owe him $30,822,504, or $11,322,504 this year and $19.5 million for the 2025 season.
Any team can sign him to a contract for a prorated share of the $740,000 major league minimum, with the Astros responsible for the rest.
