White Sox ink Jose Abreu to lucrative three-year extension

Jose Abreu is staying in the Windy City for a few more years.

The Chicago White Sox announced Monday that they have signed the All-Star first baseman to a three-year, $50 million contract extension that includes an immediate $5 million signing bonus, $11 million signing bonus in 2020, $16 million signing bonus in 2021 and a final $18 million bonus in 2022.

“From the moment he stepped into the major leagues, José Abreu has been a leader on the field and in the clubhouse,” said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.

“He has consistently delivered run production at a historic pace, and with each passing season, his leadership role within our clubhouse – with both American-born and Latin-American players – has repeatedly grown.”

The 32-year old Cuban, who has been with the franchise since 2013, posted a .284 batting average, 33 homers, 38 doubles, 85 runs scored and an American-League best 123 RBI in 159 games during the 2019 season.

This was negotiated after Abreu accepted a $17.8 million qualifying offer, and basically replaces the agreement with a more lucrative one.