MIAMI, United States. — Cuban slugger José Dariel Abreu, better known as “Pito”, turns 36 this Sunday. A few months before his debut with the Houston Astroshis second franchise in the Major Leagues, we review some moments of the first baseman’s career.
Born in Cruces, Cienfuegos province, José Abreu shone in lower categories, standing out for playing in various positions: third base, outfield, shortstop and first base.
He debuted in the National Series at just 16 years old in the 2003-2004 season. In eight seasons he put up outstanding numbers, hitting .334, hitting 128 home runs and driving in 430 runs.
His remarkable performance led the cast of Cienfuegos, until his arrival one of the weakest in the country, to advance to the playoffs in several seasons.
In addition to standing out in the National Series, “Pito” was part of the Cuban national team in various international tournaments, including the III World Baseball Classic.
José Abreu remained in Cuba until 2013, the year in which he illegally left the island to begin his journey to the Major Leagues.
In October of that year, he signed a six-year contract with the Chicago White Sox worth $68 million.
The Cuban debuted on March 31, 2014 against the Minnesota Twins. Days later, on April 8, he hit his first two home runs of his career at Coors Field, against the Colorado Rockies.
His definitive consecration came in the 2020 season. That year he led the American League in hits (76) and slugging percentages (617), he was second in home runs (19), third in runs scored (43) and fourth in offensive average (317). . All these numbers also allowed him to get his third Silver Bat.
On November 12, 2020, he received the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his formidable offensive season. In total he obtained 374 votes, 71 more than the occupant of the second place, the Dominican José Ramírez, of the Cleveland Indians.
After several years in the White Media, José Abreu signed at the end of last year for the Houston Astros, the last World Series champion.
