Report: Jose Abreu Spurned AL East Team Who Had Him As No. 1 Priority

It's been 24 hours since we learned that free agent and former MVP Jose Abreu signed on with the Houston Astros. But for three-plus weeks now, one team, the Boston Red Sox, had been on pins and needles waiting for Abreu to make his decision. They apparently called him the instant he became a free agent. 

Jose Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 29, 2022

According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Abreu was Boston’s No. 1 outside target. The Red Sox met with him as soon as free agency opened. But Abreu, doing his due diligence, made sure to check his other options on the market as well. The rest is history. 

Red Sox missed out on Jose Abreu. Tough. Definitely would’ve been a big boost to this lineup, but he’s not the only solution.

Happy to see the Red Sox putting emphasis on DH. Looks like rotating guys won’t be the plan.

That’s a good thing. Gotta get an impact bat there.

— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) November 29, 2022

So the Red Sox will have to continue their search to add an impact bat for the lineup. Be it through trade or free agency, their offseason won't necessarily be made or broken by losing out on Abreu. 

First base and DH—two spots Abreu could have filled—are definitely spots they need help with, as they finished 26th in the majors at 1B in Wins Above Average (-2.3), and 20th at DH (-1.2). 

There's also the little matter of trying to retain their All-Star shortstop before he takes a huge chunk of the team's offense elsewhere. 

Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports