CUT OFF
‘Thank you for what?’ Houston Astros slam own MLB team after Jose Abreu is cut – but still owed $30m of contract
Astros fans shared their displeasure with the team after the cut
THE Houston Astros are releasing slugger Jose Abreu.
The Astros signed Abreu before the 2023 season and he had a disastrous tenure with the team.
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Prior to signing with the Astros, Abreu was a lifetime Chicago White Sox player.
He spent nine seasons in Chicago and was a highly-regarded slugger.
Abreu hit over 260 home runs with the White Sox and hit for a .280 average over his nine years with the team.
He made three All Star teams and was named MVP in the shortened 2020 season.
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All of this was enough for the Astros to sign Abreu to a three-year, $50 million contract to be the team's new first baseman.
Everything went downhill from there though, as Abreu's production dropped off a cliff in Houston.
In his first season he only hit to a .237 average with 18 home runs.
This year things got even worse, as he hit for a .124 average with only two home runs.
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Things got so bad that the Astros sent Abreu to the minor leagues to try and figure out his struggles, but he couldn't find his swing.
Ultimately, the team decided it was time to move on and released him from the team.
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They shared a post following the release of Abreu that fans weren't very happy with.
"Thank you for everything, José. We wish you the best of luck!" the Astros posted on X.
Fans questioned what there was to thank about Abreu's time in Houston and argued in the comments of the post.
"FOR WHAT?!" one fan said.
Five key MLB rule changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.
3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.
4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.
5. The runners' lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
"This is so sad bro," another fan said.
"Thank you for what?" a third fan said.
"Good riddance," a fourth fan said.
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After releasing Abreu, the Astros will still have to pay him around $30 million that is remaining on his contract.
Abreu is now free to sign with whatever team he chooses as a free agent.
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