MLB trade rumors: Red Sox, others in talks for White Sox’ Jose Abreu

The Boston Red Sox are among a number of teams interested in trading for Jose Abreu of the White Sox, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. Abreu listed the Red Sox as one of his four final teams when he defected from Cuba before ultimately signing with the ChiSox.

Abreu, 30, had his fourth straight 100 RBI season in 2017 batting to a slash line of .304/.354/.552 (.906 OPS) with 33 homers, 102 RBIs, 43 doubles, and six triples. Abreu also produced a 4.1 WAR and struck out in just 17.1% of his plate appearances.

Boston’s power output in 2017 was lacking, as the team ranked 27th in number of home runs hit as a team. The BoSox are expected to be in the market for power hitters, most notably J.D. Martinez, and they could add another force in the middle of the order if they were to add Abreu.

Heyman also noted that other teams were in talks with Chicago for the services of Abreu. He did not note specific teams, though he stated that the Astros and Brewers were the other teams listed in Abreu’s final four before he elected to sign with Chicago.

White Sox’ GM Rick Hahn began an absolute fire sale last season as the team is enduring a full rebuild as they stockpile their loaded farm system. Hahn recently dealt Chris Sale to Boston, so he and Dave Dombrowski have developed a history of making deals.

Boston finished 93-69 in 2017 capturing the AL East title, but they were beat by the World Champion Houston Astros in four games in the ALDS. Dombrowski is always looking for star upgrades on his roster, so this is a development worth following as the Winter Meetings are approaching.