Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu model of consistency for rebuilding squad

However the Chicago White Sox perform as a team, Jose Abreu just keeps on hitting as steadily as always.

Coming into this year, Chicago White Sox fans knew their team would struggle in the win column. But if there’s one thing they could always count on, it was that Jose Abreu would keep going about his business the same way every day.

So the fact that he’s quietly putting together another All-Star campaign in 2017 should come as no surprise.

Old Reliable

Coming into Sunday (79 games), Abreu had posted a .296 batting average, 14 home runs and 52 RBI. These pre-All-Star Break numbers have him well within striking distance of his career averages of .300/30 hrs/102 RBI. Among American League first baseman, he is first in doubles (21), second in RBI, third in average and fourth in OBP (.861). Forgotten are the struggles of last year’s first half, where hit just .272 in the first half (including .229 in April).

More from Da Windy City

Furthermore, he’s continued building his reputation as a road warrior for the White Sox. Through 191 plate appearances in 43 road games, he has 13 homers and 35 RBI with a .284 average and .920 OPS. His career batting average on the road? .286. Go figure.

And though he hadn’t yet hit a homer at Guaranteed Rate Field before Friday, he’s been hitting just fine at home despite all that. After yesterday’s homer off Cole Hamels, his home average is now .307 with two long balls and 19 RBI. Plus, he’s still getting on base at a very solid clip (.364 OBP) at home, despite a lower-than-expected slugging percentage (.421). And he has a tremendous average on balls in play (.380), which might have something to do with him making harder contact than ever before. Plus, with the weather heating up, Abreu could start finding the seats more.

Bottom line: the man keeps on producing. In a way, his consistency has become almost mundane and unexciting. But if you can bet his teammates, coaching staff and front office won’t tire of his sustained excellence.

Why Abreu is important for the future

While Avisail Garcia’s long-awaited breakout has been the talk of the South Side, Abreu’s steadiness deserves mention as well. Naturally, the big first baseman wanted to discuss the younger man’s success more than his own ahead of All-Star selections today (7 ET on ESPN). Here’s what he said about Garcia to White Sox reporter Scott Merkin of MLB.com:

"“He deserves to be there. He has to be there, even if it’s not in the starting lineup,” said Abreu of Garcia, who is hitting .318 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs. “And we are sure that he’s going to be a very good representative for us in that All-Star Game.“We all are happy for Avi and you know we all support him. Everyone in this organization believes in him and we all know what he’s capable of doing.”"

However, even while showering Garcia with well-earned praise, Abreu remains the White Sox’s most impactful player, both in the heart of the lineup and in the clubhouse.

As the Sox look forward to a bright future with young stars like Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert and Garcia, they will still need a solid, dependable presence like Abreu in their lineup. At age 30, he remains young enough to be part of the Sox’s plans when they turn the corner. And yet, with three MLB seasons and several more as a professional in Cuba, his veteran leadership will be invaluable. As such, the South Siders are counting on him as much as any youngster to get them back to relevance.

Next: Three Chicago White Sox prospects to play in Futures Game

If his first few years in the league are any indication, there’s no reason to believe he won’t keep delivering.

Home/Chicago White Sox