Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu needs to be offseason priority

The White Sox are in the middle of a rebuild, but Rick Hahn and the team needs to re-sign Jose Abreu this offseason.

The Chicago White Sox look to have improved this year. They finished the year 72-89. This is a big step up from the 2018 season where the team lost 100 games. The team fought hard to be in most games, but pitching usually let them down.

The 2020 season brings a lot of promise as Rick Hahn states the team is entering the next stage of their rebuild. He did not go into full detail what that means, but he is positive the team is turning the corner and should be a competitive, winning team sooner rather than later. More importantly, he believes the success is sustainable.

I for one am in step with Hahn on this. I am very excited about the core of this team. With Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal candidates to join the team in 2020, the White Sox will be adding even more young talent to an already talented team. Not to mention, they will be getting Michael Kopech back from injury next season too.

The rotation will still need work though. I expect the White Sox to bring in at least one bigger-named arm. I doubt that turns out to be Gerrit Cole despite that move making them instant contenders in the AL Central. The team will make a push for him, but I think Cole chooses to go elsewhere.

The one name that the White Sox must absolutely sign prior to 2020 though is their current first baseman and DH, Jose Abreu. This is a no brainer to me. Abreu has already stated he does not want to go anywhere. He is excited to see where this team is headed and he wants to be a part of it when the team gets back to winning.

His exact comments were:

"“That’s why I’m telling you guys that if the White Sox don’t sign me, I’m going to sign here anyway. I’m going to sign myself here. I’m going to be here, believe me. I’m going to be here.“I don’t want to miss this, I don’t want to miss what is coming, and I’m going to be here.”"

Ha. I mean, how could Rick Hahn not re-sign this guy? It sounds like he’s going to just play no matter what anyway. Give him another $16 million and see what happens. Unfortunately, after a strong 2018 season, Abreu will have many suitors. If he wants to follow the money, the White Sox are likely not going to be that team.

With a core of young players, having Abreu stay would be important. He can help mentor the likes of Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada. Not to mention he is only 33 years old and just led the league with 123 RBI.

If I am Rick Hahn, Abreu is the first guy I am targeting this offseason and it is as simple as that. He should be quick to sign and relatively affordable all things considered.