Report: Padres targeting Jose Abreu in free agency
The San Diego Padres had talks with first baseman Jose Abreu in November, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Abreu is reportedly a top priority for the Padres, who are looking to add a middle-of-the-order bat and fill a hole at first and the designated hitter role.
The Houston Astros are also showing interest in the three-time All-Star, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Abreu hit a career-low 15 round-trippers in 2022 but still accrued an .824 OPS over 157 contests with the Chicago White Sox. The 35-year-old was named 2020 AL MVP during the pandemic-shortened campaign. He owns a .292/.354/.506 slash line with 243 homers and 863 RBIs over 1,270 games with Chicago.
San Diego acquired Josh Bell at the trade deadline last season. However, the slugging first baseman is now a free agent.