José Abreu Accepts White Sox Qualifying Offer, Reports Say

Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu had the opportunity to test the free agent market, but according to a report, he will instead remain on the South Side, at least for the 2020 season.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Abreu has accepted a qualifying offer to remain with the White Sox. The offer was for one year and $17.8 million, and means that Abreu will be back with the club for the 2020 season.

Jake Odorizzi (Twins) and Jose Abreu (White Sox) are accepting the one-year, $17.8 million qualifying offer, sources told ESPN. Barring contract extensions, they will be free agents without restriction after the 2020 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 14, 2019

Reports had been circulating that Abreu had interest from several teams, including the Miami Marlins, and a report Thursday indicated that Abreu was mulling a three-year contract offer from the White Sox.

Abreu had until Thursday afternoon to decide on whether or not to accept the team’s qualifying offer. If he had opted not to, he would have been free to sign with any team, but that team would have had to give up a draft pick in order to sign him to a contract.