The Houston Astros have released first baseman José Abreu, the team announced Friday.
Abreu, who signed a three-year free agency contract in 2022 worth $58.5 million, is still owed more than $30 million of that contract, by multiple. reports. Houston will bear the cost as a result of letting Abreu go.
The move comes shortly after the Astros sent Abreu to the minors in April after a dismal start, with Abreu averaging 0.099. The Cuban infielder and designated hitter has fallen terribly this season and currently has a .124 average, a .361 OPS and two home runs.
Abreu struggled in his first season in Houston, hitting a career-low .237 heading into the 2024 season. Before going to Houston, Abreu had posted a .304 average with the Chicago White Sox in 2022.
The Astros are currently 31-38 and in third place in a woefully bad American League West Division.