FIRST TAKE
Friday on First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, and Damien Woody discuss whether Brandin Cooks is a good enough player to replace what the Texans lost after trading DeAndre Hopkins.
According to multiple reports, the Astros are finalizing a deal to sign former White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu to a free agent contract.
The Houston #Astros are finalizing a deal for free-agent first baseman Jose Abreu.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 28, 2022
The 35-year-old first baseman finished last season hitting .304 with 15 home runs, 75 RBI, and a .824 OPS. Abreu provides plenty of pop, with five seasons with at least 30 homers in his career.
Jose Abreu 2022 highlights
This move most likely comes at the expense of Houston Astros first baseman and local favorite, Yuli Gurriel, who is also a free agent this offseason. On the other hand, the Astros had to upgrade at DH, and maybe Gurriel could still return to the team in a utility role or back at first base.
Mark Berman is reporting the deal is for 3-years at $19.5 million per season.
MLB source: Astros agree to three-year deal with free agent first baseman Jose Abreu that will pay him $19.5 million per year. @BNightengale first to report the agreement.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) November 28, 2022
