Jose Abreu's wish is to finish career with White Sox

Jose Abreu’s wish is to finish career with White Sox

Manager Rick Renteria (17) shakes hands with White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) during Opening Ceremonies before Monday’s scheduled season opener that was postponed till Tuesday. (AP)

The cold weather you can have, Jose Abreu said. But the White Sox slugger said Tuesday that his affection for Chicago is strong enough to warrant a desire to stay for the long term.

“That is one of my wishes,’’ Abreu said before the Sox’ season opener. “I wish just to spend my whole career with this organization. At the same time, you have to realize this is a business and that there are too many factors you can’t control. I can’t control that. I’m just glad to be here with this team, today and every day.’’

Abreu was signed by the Sox out of Cuba to a six-year deal before the 2014 season. The first baseman has three years left on his contract, and with the team in rebuild mode, it’s not a done deal that he’ll be with the Sox through the rest of his deal.

With 308 RBI in his first three seasons, Abreu ranks fifth behind David Ortiz, Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Donaldson and Albert Pujols in RBI in the American League since 2014. He has averaged 30 home runs and hit .299.

“I’m very glad with the results that I’ve had the last few years,’’ he said. “But I also think I can do more. I’m not one of those people who likes to be satisfied with the results. I know I can do better and do more for this team.’’

Warmer weather in April might help — the cold has been tough to adjust to for one who had spent his entire life in a warm climate.

On a typically chilly April day, Abreu had a single and double and notched his first RBI with the infield back on a groundout to short. He also dropped a routine throw at first base that would’ve completed a double play and ended the sixth inning, but no harm ensued.

“I don’t think you can find a way to adjust to the cold weather, especially when you’re playing baseball,’’ Abreu said. “If you have a key, just let me know because I don’t know how you can do it. But that’s part of the game, too. Once you’re on the field, you have to think about the game and the things you have to do.’’

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Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.com