White Sox Have Some Competition To Sign José Abreu

White Sox free agent José Abreu has until Thursday to decide if he’ll accept the team’s qualifying offer. If he does, he’ll earn $17.8 million in 2020 and then be a free agent again next offseason. If he rejects it, then Abreu is officially on the open market. However, because the White Sox did extend him the QO, if any other team does sign him, then the White Sox will receive a high draft pick in compensation.

It’s not like the White Sox needed anything else to almost guarantee a reunion with Abreu, but the loss of a draft pick for other teams sure does help them. Since last year the Cuban first baseman expressed that the wanted to return to the White Sox and everyone from players, coaches, the front office and Jerry Reinsdorf have said they want Abreu back too.

"There's a lot of love [for Abreu], there's a lot of mutual admiration and desire throughout the organization right on up to Jerry. Jose certainly knows how we feel, and we'll remain in contact until he figures out where he's going to play next year." https://t.co/trtxN5wan5

— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) November 13, 2019

That last line from White Sox GM Rick Hahn seems a bit odd. I mean, Abreu has made it pretty obvious that he wants to play for the White Sox for the rest of his career. But maybe he’s hearing some other offers?

According to Jon Heyman, the Marlins love the idea of signing Abreu. But again, losing a draft pick could ultimately make Miami pass on the first baseman.

The Marlins are said to like Jose Abreu very much. However, the loss of a draft pick that would come with an Abreu signing is a big consideration for a team like the Marlins. Easier to see Abreu winding up back with the White Sox.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 13, 2019

And with that here’s what Bruce Levine wrote late Tuesday night.

Via 670 The Score.

One area of need that should be addressed soon is first base, as Jose Abreu and the club have a mutual desire to reach a new deal. A three-year deal for Abreu seems likely to get done soon. 

So, not really time to be worried about the White Sox not re-signing Abreu. All signs still point to him returning for at least a few more years.