White Sox, Abreu settle at $13 million, avoid arbitration

The White Sox on Friday avoided arbitration with first baseman Jose Abreu, settling on a $13 million salary for the 2018 season.

Abreu was projected to make $17.9 million, according to MLBTraderumors.com estimates. Abreu’s settlement was first reported by Fan Rag Sports.

After the 2016 season, Abreu opted into salary arbitration for the final three years of the six-year deal he signed with the Sox as a highly sought free agent out of Cuba. He made $10.825 million in 2017.

Abreu has been the subject of trade rumors as the Sox proceed in their rebuild. Should the Sox be shopping him, the $13 million price tag would seem to enhance his value, although projections are not always on the money and Abreu’s particular case was not clear cut. Abreu is under club control for two more seasons.

Friday is the deadline for players and teams to exchange salary figures. If an agreement is not reached for arbitration eligible players, an arbitrator determines the salary at a hearing in February.

Right fielder Avisail Garcia, infielder Yolmer Sanchez, outfielder-infielder Leury Garcia and left-handers Carlos Rodon and Luis Avilan are also arbitration eligible. Garcia’s salary is projected at $6.7 million.