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Puerto Rico’s Winter League Welcomes Former MLB Star

In a significant step toward revitalizing his MLB career, Francys Romero reports that former All-Star first baseman José Abreu has joined the Senadores of San Juan in Puerto Rico’s prestigious winter ball league, setting the stage for a potential comeback in 2025. This strategic move Allows Abreu to fine-tune his skills, regain momentum, and reassert himself as a formidable force in the baseball world. As Abreu readies to join the Senadores for winter ball, his resolve to revive his MLB career grows stronger.

José Abreu to Play Winter Ball In Hopes of Comeback Bid

The 2024 season was a disastrous one for Abreu. After signing a three-year, $58.5 million free agent contract, his production plummeted, leading to a demotion to Triple-A and eventual release by the Houston Astros midway through the second year of the deal. Abreu’s struggles were evident in 2023, when he hit a lackluster .237/.296/.383 slugging percentage. Abreu’s abysmal .124/.167/.195 performance in 120 plate appearances sealed his fate, leading the Astros to release him.

“It was not an easy conversation,” manager Joe Espada said after Abreu’s release. “What José Abreu meant to this organization helped us get to another Championship Seires last year. What he’s done in this game, it’s not easy.”

Abreu’s tenure with the Astros was expected to be a seamless transition. It was mainly due to filling the void left by Yuli Gurriel at first base on a team fresh off a World Series championship. The veteran slugger, just two years removed from his 2020 American League MVP Award, seemed like the perfect fit for a seasoned roster with lofty expectations. However, Abreu’s time in Houston marked the beginning of an unexpected decline. In 176 games, Abreu hit .217 with 20 home runs and a .622 OPS, well below his expectations.
Now, Abreu is seeking redemption in the Puerto Rico Winter League, which kicks off in November. The upcoming winter ball season presents an opportunity for him to rediscover his swing and prove his value. Will Abreu be able to revitalize his career and earn an invite to spring training? Only time will tell.
Main Photo: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves is an experienced baseball writer, and co-manager of LWOS Baseball. He is a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Fanshawe College who has worked as a writer in radio, journalism, and digital media.

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