Despite rumors, White Sox unlikely to move Jose Abreu this offseason

With the start of baseball’s Winter Meetings next week, White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu’s future with the team remains uncertain.

But now, it’s unlikely the Sox will trade him, according to Fox analyst Ken Rosenthal.

Abreu has stressed he wants to stay with the White Sox during their rebuild, but there were several reports that many teams expressed interest.

The Red Sox were linked most recently to having engaged in “active talks” for Abreu.

A major road block for the Red Sox was they didn’t have top-tier prospects to swing a trade. Last year’s blockbuster Chris Sale trade depleted their farm system after the Red Sox sent infielder Yoan Moncada, pitchers Michael Kopech and Victor Diaz, and outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe and to the White Sox in exchange for Sale. Boston has only two prospects on MLB Pipeline’s top-100 list.

Abreu, 30, is under contract for two more seasons. He’s projected to make $17.9 million in 2018, his second year of arbitration, according to an MLB Trade Rumors projection, which is a hefty price tag for a rebuilding team.

Abreu was one of the Sox’ most productive hitters in 2017. He hit .304 with 33 home runs and 102 RBI.

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