Jose Abreu (36, Houston Astros), a former MVP who left the Chicago White Sox, exposed the discord within the team.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times on the 4th (hereinafter referred to as Korean time), Abreu admitted the fact of discord within the White Sox team last year. During last year’s season, there were rumors of discord surrounding the White Sox players, but Abreu, who was the leader, confirmed it.
When asked about his former team, the White Sox, Abreu, who is making a fresh start at Houston spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida, said, “It’s hard to remember everything. After not being able to speak for a long time, he said, “If you are in a place where you are not respected, you can go somewhere else,” expressing regret to the former team. 안전놀이터
Abreu, a Cuban right-handed first baseman, joined the White Sox with an international amateur contract. After his debut in 2014, he only worked for the White Sox for 9 years until last year. Abreu, who has consistently played an active role in 1270 games with a batting average of .292, 1445 hits, 243 homers, 863 RBIs and OPS .860, won the 2014 American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award and the 2020 MVP Award. He was an All-Star three times, Silver Slugger three times, and was first in RBI and slugging percentage twice.
Last year, in 157 games, batting average was 3.4, 183 hits, 15 homers, 75 RBIs, OPS .824, although his slugging decreased, but it was not bad. However, he left the team after the season without receiving any significant offers from the White Sox. The Chicago Sun-Times said, ‘Abreu wanted to end his playing career in Chicago, and more than anything, he wanted to win the World Series there,’ and his affection for his team was extraordinary.
Furthermore, Abreu also acknowledged the discord within the team last year. “Sometimes talking about the past can cause a lot of resentment. But the best I can say is, ‘It wasn’t a family-like team’.”
It seems that even Abreu, the White Sox’s long-time mentor, had internal problems that were difficult to control. Still, Abreu remains in touch with some of his White Sox teammates. He is the White Sox player who will grow the most this year. “I will bet on Lewis Robert. Elroy Jimenez is also very talented and needs to stay healthy. Yoan Moncada and Andrew Vaughn also have a lot of potential.”
Expectations for the new season in Houston, the ‘defending champion’, are also high. “Houston is a real family team,” said Abreu, who arrived a few weeks before camp and began training. I can see why Houston has been so successful over the past few years.” good night. I’m with the champions. A good opportunity,” he expected.
Last year’s World Series MVP shortstop Jeremy Pena said, “Abreu is the first to enter the field and the last to leave. He trains really hard and leads the team by example. We are lucky to have him on our team.” Signature second baseman Jose Altuve also said, “He’s an RBI machine and another great hitter in our lineup. He praised Abreu as a great hitter and player, a great person and leader.”