MLB 2022 | Astros signed Abreu to a 3-year, $58.5 million deal, Gurriel could be Astro's utility man

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources

José Abreu signed a three-year, $58.5 million contract with the Astros.

The agreement was first reported by USA Today's Bob Nightengale and has now been officially announced by the Astros. Abreu will be introduced with a press conference at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday morning. The soon-to-be 36-year-old is set to make $19.5 million per season on a deal that runs through his age-38 campaign. It's a lot of money and Abreu's power is probably fading, but he seems like a perfect fit for Houston nonetheless. Expect him to remain an RBI machine with the reigning World Series champs. The defending World Series champion Astros were in desperate need of offensive upgrades at both first base and designated hitter, and managed to shore up both weaknesses by landing Abreu on a multi-year deal. The 35-year-old veteran first baseman remains a certifiable middle-of-the-order force, despite struggling last year in his final season with the White Sox. It's a phenomenal landing spot as he'll join Houston's loaded lineup in an extremely hitter-friendly home ballpark. With his contract for the 2023 season resolved, Abreu could also be the next Cuban star announcing his commitment to Team Cuba for the 2023 WBC.

Houston Astros Still Interested in Re-Signing Yulieski Gurriel.

The Astros are interested in Yulieski Gurriel as a utility-man for the 2023 season, Michael Schwab of The Juice Box Journal reported Monday. Gurriel — who played only first base in 2022 — has stretched to third base and second base in previous seasons. In his professional career, Gurriel has played primarily at first base, but he began his career at the hot corner. If the Astros look to flex versatility in the 38-year-old infielder, the bench could find emergency depth at third base and second base. Gurriel could also be in the designated hitter role some nights, or play first base on nights when Abreu is DH. After all, Gurriel is a Gold Glove winner.