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Update 4:16:
The Astros appear to be out of the running for Abreu according to a report from Olney:
Source say Astros are skeptical about their chances of signing Jose Abreu. Made a strong offer but all but certain they fell short. W. Sox?
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 17, 2013
The Astros did, in fact, make a hard bid on Abreu while falling short: Heard their bid was between $50 million and $60 million.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 17, 2013
The Red Sox reportedly do not expect to sign Abreu and with the Astros out of the running, the favorite to sign Abreu appears to be the White Sox.
Original Story:
The chase for Cuban slugger Jose Abreu appears to be nearing a conclusion.
According to a report from Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, Abreu has narrowed his list of possible destinations to the Astros, Red Sox and White Sox.
The Astros, Red Sox, and White Sox have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 26-year-old first baseman to a deal expected to be in the $70 million range. The Rangers, Giants, and Marlins were among the teams to express strong interest but are no longer in the running.
The 26-year old first baseman is considered a known commodity in the international baseball world. In this year's World Baseball Classic, he has hit .360 with three home runs and nine RBI. He had one of the greatest seasons in Cuban league history in 2010-11 when he hit .453 with 33 home runs and 93 RBI in 66 games en route to winning the league MVP.
Abreu was declared a free agent last month when he established residency in Haiti after defecting from Cuba in August.
A report from Buster Olney may narrow the suitors for Abreu down to two:
Red Sox don't expect to sign Jose Abreu; they figure he'll be signing with another team. White Sox, Astros now seen as frontrunners.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 17, 2013