White Sox Future In Doubt For Free Agent Infielder

After spending his entire nine-year career in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox, his future on the South Side is, for the first time, in doubt. First baseman Jose Abreu becomes a free agent after the season, but hasn't had any conversations with the Chicago front office as of yet.

José Abreu on whether he wants to play next year:

“Of course, I love baseball!”

Staying with the White Sox is less certain. He says there haven’t been talks with the front office and that he will take time this offseason to rest and think about what comes next.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) October 4, 2022

The 35-year-old stated without doubt that he wants to play in 2023 — “Of course, I love baseball!” But whether it will continue to be with the White Sox is unknown at this point. Though the Windy City undoubtedly holds a special place for him, as the fans there are the only ones he's known since coming to the bigs.

Abreu’s message to White Sox fans:

“I want to thank them for all the support, for always having my back. These were a special nine years and I hope there can be more.”
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) October 4, 2022

“I want to thank them for all the support, for always having my back. These were a special nine years and I hope there can be more.”

His teammates would be stunned if he left:

Lucas Giolito on José Abreu potentially leaving:

"It's hard to imagine. I didn't even think about that. That would hurt, man. He's so much of what makes this team, this team."

"Hopefully he can come back another year. I've got one more year here, so yeah."
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) October 5, 2022

"That would hurt, man," said Lucas Gioliti. "He's so much of what makes this team, this team."

It's unclear how much of a market there would be for a 35-year-old first baseman, as Abreu's power was down considerably this season, to just 15 home runs after averaging about 30 HR in the last four full seasons.

But he still hit .304 with an .824 OPS, and he remained remarkably durable, playing over 150 games for the 6th time in his 9 seasons.

Photo: Lindsey Wasson-USA TODAY Sports