The MLB trade rumors continue to grow as the holidays draw near and even though all has been quiet on the trade front, two rumors circulating today have captured the attention of many baseball fans. CBS sports is indicating that the Chicago White Sox are shopping their slugging first baseman Jose Abreu, and several teams have interest in the big guy.
Red Sox interested in Abreu
Over the last two seasons, the Chicago White Sox have been sellers. Now, several outlets are reporting that the ChiSox are willing to listen to offers for their biggest remaining bargaining chip.
Abreu is coming off an incredible 2017 season where he posted numbers that most can only dream of achieving. In 156 games, Abreu smashed 33 home runs, drove in 102 runs and collected 43 doubles to go along with his .304/.354/.552 numbers. That is a man who is earning his money.
With the Red Sox looking to win a third straight AL East title in 2018, and in need of first baseman (Mitch Moreland is currently a free agent so his return is not known) Abreu would be a warm welcome for the BoSox.
MLB guru Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports tweeted that the Red Sox are eyeing Abreu and GM Dave Dombrowski has a knack for getting big free agents.
The only weakness Abreu really has is on the defensive end, however, the power and leadership he brings to a team more than makes up for it. A bit shaky on defense can be overlooked when you can consistently mash at the plate. In his first four seasons in the majors, Abreu has hit 124 home runs while driving in 410.
The Red Sox already have high hopes for 2018, but adding Abreu would definitely make them the Las Vegas odds-on favorites to win the AL East next season.
Giants in talks for McCutchen?
The San Francisco Giants have won three of the last eight World Series titles.
They would love to make a run at winning 4-of-9 or better yet, 5-of-10 - and adding someone like Andrew McCutchen could greatly improve their chances.
SB Nation is reporting that the Giants are looking to upgrade their defense in center field, and they are eyeing McCutchen as the man who can fill that void. MLB Network's Jon Morosi suggested that the Giants’ interest in McCutchen is something of a backup plan for Giancarlo Stanton. Now, if they landed both players, that would be insane. That isn't going to happen, but adding a player like McCutchen is nothing to sneeze at. When this guy is on, he is one of the best in the game.
In his nine full seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, McCutchen has hit 203 home runs while driving in 725 runs. With a career batting average of .291 and a solid glove, the Giants could have one of the most solid outfields in the NL with Hunter Pence and Andrew McCutchen leading the way.