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Blind Bids For Jose Abreu Due Soon
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, blind bids for Cuban free agent Jose Abreu are expected to be in soon. Abreu, the power hitting first baseman who will turn 27 prior to opening day, is free to sign with any club.
February 21, 2013; Maryvale, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) takes batting practice during spring training at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Abreu hosted a showcase in the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago, and scouts came away universally impressed by his power. The Mets had representatives on hand, but it’s been reported that the Marlins, Red Sox, and Rangers are the teams who have been showing the most interest in Abreu. His price tag is rumored to be $60 million over six years.
The Mets have a first base situation that’s in flux, with Lucas Duda, Ike Davis, Josh Satin, and Wilmer Flores all expected to compete for playing time come Spring Training.
Thoughts:
Andy Martino reported earlier this week, citing officials who are familiar with the Mets’ thinking, that the club is unlikely to heavily pursue Abreu.
As has been noted in the many articles concerning Abreu, he’s known to have one plus tool – his bat. He’s slow footed, and viewed as someone who will be adequate defensively. Abreu may hit for average in the big leagues, but the safest bet is that at the very least, his power will translate.
There are some scouts who think Abreu will feast on back end rotation types, but be held in check by the better starting pitchers in the league. What every team is weighing right now, is whether a full court pursuit of Abreu is worth it.
The Mets haven’t been very active in the International market, and one of their notable misses was Kaz Matsui. This isn’t to compare Abreu with Matsui – they’re different in pretty much every way possible. However, Abreu is an unknown quantity at this point. He may come to the majors and be a bust. He may come to the majors and turn into a star.
I wouldn’t be completely floored if the Mets made a serious bid to land him, but I’d be surprised.
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