History of José Abreu in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 15, 2024

José Dariel Abreu Correa is a Cuban professional baseball player. He is currently a free agent, having previously played as a first baseman for the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros in Major League Baseball (MLB).

1982: Surpassing Rookie Home Run Record

José Abreu surpassed the rookie record for home runs in a single month, previously held by Albert Pujols (2001), Carlos Delgado (1994), and Kent Hrbek (1982).

January 29, 1987: Birth of José Abreu

José Dariel Abreu Correa was born on January 29, 1987.

1994: Surpassing Rookie Home Run Record

José Abreu surpassed the rookie record for home runs in a single month, previously held by Albert Pujols (2001), Carlos Delgado (1994), and Kent Hrbek (1982).

2001: Surpassing Rookie Home Run Record

José Abreu surpassed the rookie record for home runs in a single month, previously held by Albert Pujols (2001), Carlos Delgado (1994), and Kent Hrbek (1982).

2007: Early Career in the Cuban Serie Nacional

From 2007 to 2008, José Abreu began his professional baseball career, playing five seasons in the Cuban Serie Nacional.

2008: Continued Play in the Cuban Serie Nacional

José Abreu continued to play for Cienfuegos in the Cuban Serie Nacional during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons, showcasing his skills as a powerful hitter.

2009: Breakout Season in the Cuban Serie Nacional

José Abreu had a breakout season in 2009-2010, hitting .400 with 30 home runs and 76 RBIs in 89 games.

2009: Participation in International Tournaments

José Abreu participated in the 2009 World Port Tournament and the 2009 Baseball World Cup, representing Cuba on the international stage.

2009: Impressive Performance and World Baseball Classic Selection

José Abreu's strong performance in the 2008-2009 season, including a .346 batting average and leading the league in times hit by pitch, earned him a spot on Cuba's provisional roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic, though he didn't make the final cut.

2010: Cuban Home Run Record and League MVP

José Abreu had an outstanding season in 2010-2011, setting a Cuban home run record and earning the league MVP award.

2010: Record-Breaking Season and MVP Award

José Abreu had one of the greatest seasons in Cuban baseball history in 2010-2011, hitting .453 with 33 home runs and 93 RBIs in just 66 games, earning him the Cuban National Series Most Valuable Player Award.

2010: International Success with the Cuban National Team

José Abreu played a key role in Cuba's victory at the 2010 Intercontinental Cup, their first gold medal in an international tournament in three years.

2010: Dominant Performance and All-Star Selection

José Abreu's exceptional performance in the 2009-2010 Cuban Serie Nacional, leading the league in several offensive categories, earned him the All-Star first baseman title.

August 2013: Defection from Cuba

José Abreu defected from Cuba in August 2013 to pursue a career in Major League Baseball.

August 2013: Defection and Pursuit of MLB Career

Rumors of José Abreu's defection from Cuba to pursue an MLB career surfaced in August 2013, later confirmed by former teammate Henry Urrutia.

October 2013: Signing with the Chicago White Sox

After being granted free agency, José Abreu signed a six-year, $68 million contract with the Chicago White Sox in October 2013.

October 2013: Joining Fellow Cubans on the White Sox

José Abreu's signing with the Chicago White Sox in October 2013 reunited him with fellow Cuban players Alexei Ramírez, Dayán Viciedo, and Adrian Nieto.

2013: Participation in the World Baseball Classic

José Abreu represented Cuba in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talent on the global stage.

2013: Decision to Defect During World Baseball Classic

José Abreu revealed that his decision to defect from Cuba was made during the 2013 World Baseball Classic in March.

March 31, 2014: First Major League Hit

José Abreu recorded his first major league hit on March 31, 2014, against the Minnesota Twins.

April 8, 2014: First Career Home Runs

José Abreu hit his first two career home runs in a game at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies on April 8, 2014.

April 25, 2014: Tying Rookie Home Run Record

José Abreu tied the rookie record for home runs in March-April with his eighth homer of the year on April 25, 2014.

May 2014: Family Reunites in the US

In May 2014, José Abreu's parents made the move from Cuba to the United States, allowing them to reunite with their son. The 2014 MLB All-Star Game held a special significance for the family, as it marked the first time Abreu's parents were able to watch him play baseball since their relocation.

November 10, 2014: Unanimous AL Rookie of the Year

On November 10, 2014, José Abreu was unanimously named the American League Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA.

2014: AL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award

José Abreu had an impressive rookie season in 2014, winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award and the Silver Slugger Award.

2015: Continued Success with the White Sox

José Abreu continued to be a key player for the Chicago White Sox in 2015, batting .290 with 30 home runs and 101 RBIs.

2016: Consistent Performance

José Abreu maintained a consistent performance for the White Sox in 2016, recording 25 home runs and 100 RBIs.

September 9, 2017: Hits for the cycle

On September 9, 2017, José Abreu hit for the cycle, achieving a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game while playing against the San Francisco Giants. This made him the first Chicago White Sox player to accomplish this feat since José Valentín on April 27, 2000.

2018: All-Star and Silver Slugger Award Winner

In 2018, José Abreu was selected to represent the American League as a first baseman in the MLB All-Star Game. Following the season, he received his second Silver Slugger Award, recognizing him as one of the best offensive players at his position.

2018: Silver Slugger Award

José Abreu won his second Silver Slugger Award in 2018.

November 14, 2019: Accepts White Sox Qualifying Offer

On November 14, 2019, José Abreu made the decision to accept the Chicago White Sox's qualifying offer, securing a one-year contract worth $17.8 million to remain with the team.

2019: Leads American League in RBIs and Sacrifice Flies

During the 2019 MLB season, José Abreu showcased his batting prowess by leading the American League in two significant offensive categories: Runs Batted In (RBIs) with 123, and sacrifice flies with 10.

2019: RBI Title

José Abreu led the American League in runs batted in during the 2019 season.

2020: Wins AL MVP, Ties MLB Record

In a remarkable 2020 season, José Abreu tied an MLB record by hitting home runs in four consecutive at-bats across two games against the Chicago Cubs. He led the American League in several offensive categories, including batting average, slugging percentage, RBIs, and more. Abreu was instrumental in leading the White Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2008 and was ultimately named the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), the first White Sox player to receive the honor since Frank Thomas in 1994.

2020: AL MVP, Silver Slugger Award, and RBI Title

José Abreu had a stellar year in 2020, winning the American League's Most Valuable Player Award, the Silver Slugger Award, and leading the American League in runs batted in.

April 14, 2021: Saves No-Hitter

On April 14, 2021, during a game against the Cleveland Indians, José Abreu made a game-saving play at first base, securing a no-hitter for pitcher Carlos Rodón. In the top of the ninth inning, Abreu fielded a ground ball and narrowly beat the runner to the bag, preserving Rodón's historic achievement.

May 14, 2021: Collides with Hunter Dozier

During a game against the Kansas City Royals on May 14, 2021, José Abreu was involved in a collision at first base with Hunter Dozier. The incident occurred during the first game of a doubleheader, and both players were held out of the second game as a precaution.

August 12, 2021: Hits First Official MLB Home Run in Iowa

José Abreu hit a historic home run on August 12, 2021, at the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa. His home run off Andrew Heaney marked the first official Major League home run hit in the state of Iowa.

2021: Tests Positive for COVID-19

At the start of the 2021 MLB season, José Abreu's spring training was delayed due to testing positive for COVID-19. He rejoined the Chicago White Sox for practice on February 27, five days after the team's initial full-squad workout.

November 28, 2022: Signs with Houston Astros

In a significant career move, José Abreu joined the Houston Astros on November 28, 2022, signing a three-year contract worth $58.5 million. This marked the start of a new chapter for the veteran first baseman.

2022: Improved Performance with Reduced Power

The 2022 season saw a resurgence for José Abreu as he improved his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, resulting in a higher OPS+ and WAR compared to his 2021 performance. However, his power numbers declined, with a significant decrease in home runs.

May 28, 2023: Hits First Home Run with Astros

After a prolonged home run drought, José Abreu finally connected for his first home run as a member of the Houston Astros on May 28, 2023. The home run came against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum, ending a streak of 260 at-bats without a home run.

June 13, 2023: Records 1,500th Career Hit

José Abreu achieved a significant career milestone on June 13, 2023, when he recorded his 1,500th hit. The milestone hit came against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park.

August 12, 2023: Placed on Injured List

The Houston Astros placed José Abreu on the 10-day injured list on August 12, 2023, due to lower back discomfort. This marked a setback for Abreu, who was experiencing a productive season with the Astros.

September 6, 2023: Hits Grand Slam, Ties Career High in RBIs

In a remarkable game against the Texas Rangers on September 6, 2023, José Abreu had a career day, hitting his first grand slam as an Astro and following it up with a three-run home run. He tied his career-high with seven RBIs, leading the Astros to a 12-3 victory.

2023: Signing with the Houston Astros

José Abreu signed with the Houston Astros before the 2023 season.

April 30, 2024: Optioned to Florida Complex League

On April 30, 2024, the Houston Astros optioned José Abreu to the Florida Complex League Astros, their rookie-level affiliate. The move was made to provide Abreu with an opportunity to work on his swing and regain his offensive form.

June 14, 2024: Released by the Houston Astros

In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Astros released José Abreu on June 14, 2024. The decision came after Abreu struggled mightily at the plate, posting career-low numbers in various offensive categories.