The Astros took a risk and signed former AL MVP and Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million contract.

Regretfully, the slugger’s initial season in Houston did not proceed according to schedule.

Throughout his Major League Baseball career, he has only hit 18 home runs and a dismal 90 RBI, posting his career-worst slash line of.237/.296/.383.

Abreu’s season-long injuries and poor performance were a cost to the Astros.

While the slugger did catch on in the later part of the season and during the postseason, this season also hinted that they ought to start hunting for a first base replacement shortly.

Well, they obtained their future first baseman when they acquired Trey Cabbage in a deal with the Los Angeles Angels, according to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report.

After making his Major League debut with the Angels the previous season, Cabbage only hit.208/.232/.321 in 22 games and 56 plate appearances. However, in 107 games in Triple-A, he hit.306/.379/.596 with 30 home runs, 89 RBI, and 32 steals, showing promise.

For Houston, he’s undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on this season.

If he does well, the organization will have further possibilities.

In 2024, Abreu will probably still be the Astros’ first baseman, but if his play falters once again, they may be ready to let him go.

If that were the case, Houston would have a cost-controlled asset they sorely need with so many expensive contracts on their books in Cabbage, who is still in pre-arbitration through the 2026 season.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk