The Chicago Cubs have been getting plenty of attention for their rebuild over the past few seasons, but while most of their headlines have been generated not at Wrigley Field but across the country in minor league stadiums, the Chicago White Sox have their best transaction in recent memory on full display at US Cellular Field.
Jose Abreu, who signed a six-year contract with the White Sox during the 2013 offseason, made the most of his opportunity to come to the big leagues, slugging 36 home runs and driving in 107 RBI. As a reward for his play, which also earned him an All-Star Game spot and a Silver Slugger award, the Baseball Writers Association of America voted unanimously to name him American League Rookie of the Year on Monday night.
Abreu became the first White Sox player to win the award since 1985, when Ozzie Guillen took home the honors. Los Angeles Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker and New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances finished in second and third place respectively in the voting.
In his rookie season, the 27-year old Abreu finished tied for third in the American League with 36 home runs, trailing only Nelson Cruz and Chris Carter in the category. Abreu also finished in fifth place in batting average, hitting .317 in 556 at-bats for the White Sox. His .964 OPS was also second in the AL, trailing only Victor Martinez of the Detroit Tigers.
Signed as an eventual replacement for Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko at first base, Abreu forced his way into the lineup with his massive power potential and ability to spray the ball to all fields. He did miss a bit of time with an injury in May, but overall he was able to stay on the field well despite not having had more than 312 at-bats in a season in his native Cuba. His power did dwindle a bit as the season came to an end, but Abreu showed an impressive ability to hit for average instead as he adjusted to MLB pitching.
While the Cubs have chosen to rebuild their team via trades and the MLB Draft, the White Sox chose to make their big splash in free agency. Not having to worry about the posting fees that have to be paid to players from Asia, the Sox instead relied upon a sales pitch involving the team’s strong Cuban connection, including shortstop Alexei Ramirez.
