Red Sox Reportedly Interested In White Sox 1B Jose Abreu

The Boston Red Sox are seeking a power bat, so one of their top pursuits is reportedly Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu.

Jose Abreu Trade News

Abreu will be 31 in January. The Cuban right-handed hitter had 33 homers, 102 RBIs and 43 doubles last season while hitting .304/.354/.552.

According to some reports, the Red Sox have been interested in Abreu since he came from Cuba before he signed with the White Sox in 2014.

In his last four seasons, Abreu has recorded 25 or more homers, 100 or more RBI and at least a .290 batting average.

Abreu, who also serves as a designated hitter, is arbitration eligible after making $10.8 million in 2017. He can become a free agent after 2019, so the Red Sox would have two years of control on Abreu unless he signs an extension.

The White Sox and Red Sox completed one of the largest deals of last offseason when Boston acquired lefty Chris Sale for top third-base prospect Yoan Moncada and right-handed pitching prospect Michael Kopech. Chicago is rumored to be interested in Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. 

According to The Athletic, the Red Sox are estimated to clear $200 million in 2018 payroll.

In other MLB news, the New York Yankees interviewed Carlos Beltran for their manager position, four weeks after the final game of his 20-year professional career.

Beltran, 40, was a nine-time All-Star and played for the Yankees from 2014-2016. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012 and 2013.

Others who interviewed for the Yankees managing job — which became vacant after Joe Girardi, the team’s skipper since 2008, was terminated following the playoffs — include Yankees bench coach Rob Thomson, former Cleveland and Seattle manager Eric Wedge, San Francisco bench coach Hensley Meulens, former big-league third baseman Aaron Boone and Dodgers third base coach Chris Woodward.

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 26: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox hits his 32nd home run of the season, a solo shot in the 1st inning, against the Los Angeles Angels at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)