In final year of contract, is this going to be Abreu's last season with White Sox?
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Jose Abreu has way too many current things on his plate to process.
When the time is right, the White Sox's RBI machine will turn his attention to the future.
Rushing to Camelback Ranch with the rest of his teammates late last week after MLB's lockout finally ended, Abreu is focused on getting in shape quickly and being ready for the Sox's April 8 season opener against the Tigers in Detroit.
"The off-season was a little bit difficult because we didn't have the certainty of when we would start, but I was able to be with my family and keep doing my stuff," Abreu said Wednesday. "I'm just here and I've been ready to enjoy this year and to have success and to accomplish all of the goals that we want to accomplish. We'll see what happens, but I'm very happy to be here."
In one sense, the White Sox's first baseman is in the same place he was in 2019, entering the final year of his contract.
Throughout that season, Abreu wasn't shy about voicing a strong desire to return to the Sox on a new deal.
Leading the American League with 123 RBI while hitting 33 home runs and batting .284/.330/.503 in 2019 certainly helped his cause to come back, and Abreu agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract shortly after the season ended.
In 2020, the first year of the new deal, Abreu drove in 60 runs during the 60-game season shortened by COVID-19. For his efforts, he was voted AL MVP.
Last year, Abreu finished second in the league with 117 RBI and led the White Sox with 30 homers.
As he enters his age 35 season, Abreu is still one of the most consistent run producers in the game.
Maybe he'll make another push for a new contract with the Sox later in the year, but probably not.
"Well, we haven't even started the season," Abreu said. "Let's see how the season goes and let's see if we accomplish all the things we want to accomplish. See how I feel after the season. I'm pretty sure I'm going to consult with my family, see how I'm feeling, see how they're feeling and we are going to make a decision afterward.
"Right now, the focus is just to enjoy this season and have fun."
Could Abreu have another productive year and want to continue playing, but the White Sox go in a different direction at first base?
Anything is possible, but that's a story for another day. Abreu understands he is an older player now and it's no longer 2019.
"We're talking about two different years, two different situations," he said. "I have to see what happens with this season. My goal right now is just to have a very good season, stay healthy. That's one of my goals this season, play the whole season, see what happens at the end. Once the season ends, I will have to make a decision and see if I want to continue or if there's a chance to be here or if there's a chance to be in another place."
Abreu was hit by 24 pitches last season, the third-highest total in the AL. That's not a good stat for overall health, but the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is not one to complain.
New Sox reliever Kendall Graveman, who was with the Astros last season, drilled Abreu with a pitch in Game 4 of the ALDS, which did not sit well with manager Tony La Russa.
Graveman apologized to Abreu and La Russa after reporting to camp, and it was accepted.
"It's OK right now," Abreu said with a laugh. "(Graveman) is my family now."