The Chicago Cubs are expected to continue free-agent first baseman Jose Abreu this offseason, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Levine wrote that Abreu is “at the top of the list of players the Cubs hope to join in free agency this offseason.”

Abreu, who will celebrate his 36th birthday in January, is no stranger to the Chicago area. He spent his nine-year major league career with the White Sox, posting .292/.354/.506 (134 OPS+). Additionally, Abreu had won the MVP award in the past three seasons, including in 2020, when he won the AL in 60 games.

Last season, Abreu hit .304/.378/.446 with 15 home runs (133 OPS+). According to Baseball-Reference calculations, his contribution is 4.2 Wins Above Replacement.

Daryl van Scheuwen of the Chicago Sun-Times recently reported that the White Sox might forgo re-signing Abreu instead of putting Andrew Vaughn at 1st base. Such progress would free up additional funds that the White Sox could use to fill other holes in the roster.

“Regardless of his future here or elsewhere, I don’t think you’ll ever hear anyone in this organization speak ill of Jose,” general manager Rick Hahn told Abreu’s Van Scheuwen.

The Cubs could certainly use help at first base. They completed the season with the fourth-worst OPS at that position, trailing only the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels, and Detroit Tigers. While rising over the years, Abreu represents a sure upgrade to Chicago’s existing options.

The Cubs signed several free agents last offseason, most particular right-hander Marcus Stroman & outfielder Seiya Suzuki. Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins, & the rest of the front office plan to be active again this winter as the Cubs try to move toward competition.