Houston Astros release first baseman José Abreu

The Houston Astros have released first baseman José Abreu, the team announced Friday.

Abreu, who signed a three-year free agent deal in 2022 worth $58.5 million, is still owed more than $30 million on that deal, according to multiple reports. Houston will pay the price by letting Abreu go.

The move comes shortly after the Astros optioned Abreu to the minors in April after a dismal start, with Abreu hitting .099. The Cuban infielder and designated hitter has slumped horribly this season with a .124 average, a .361 OPS and two home runs.

During his time with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu was the AL MVP in 2020, as well as a three-time All-Star (2014, 2018, 2019) and a three-time Silver Slugger (2014, 2018, 2020).

However, he struggled in his first season in Houston: his .237 average in 2023 was a career low before this season. Before heading to Houston, Abreu posted a .304 average with the White Sox in 2022.

The Astros opted to send Abreu to Houston’s West Palm Beach affiliate on April 30, with general manager Dana Brown saying the decision was mutual between Abreu and the team and would not be a long-term change.

“We need to cut back on production from first base,” Brown said. “We will do whatever we have to do.”

Abreu returned to the team for a May series against the Seattle Mariners and has since started several games. He has a .156 average throughout the month of June.

The Astros are currently 31-38 and in third place in a dismally bad AL West.