Red Sox Trade Rumors: Jose Abreu's Availability Being Monitored by BOS

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly "among a few teams" interested in trading for Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Phil Rogers of Forbes reported Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has "long admired" Abreu, who is a free agent this winter.

Abreu, 32, is hitting .275/.310/.499 with 21 home runs and 68 runs batted in 93 games played. His second straight All-Star appearance has not translated to wins for the White Sox, who are barreling out of playoff contention after losing seven straight and nine of their last 10 games. Chicago is currently 42-51 and 16 games out of first place in the AL Central.

Abreu has been a good teammate throughout his White Sox career, dealing with a succession of losing seasons. However, he seemed to hint at a little bit of frustration with the White Sox front office Thursday. 

"We need them. We're missing them," Abreu told reporters regarding injuries to Eloy Jimenez and Tim Anderson. "But we need to deal with what we have here. Until the organization gives us a chance to bring the people up that can help us here."

Abreu is likely referring to star prospect Luis Robert, a 21-year-old outfielder who has rampaged his way through the team's farm system. Robert will likely not make his MLB debut until 2020. 

While that dig clearly speaks to Abreu being tired of losing, he's also remained steadfastly committed to the organization. Earlier this month, he said he plans on re-signing with the White Sox in free agency—whether they want him or not.

"That's why I'm telling you guys that if the White Sox don't sign me, I'm going to sign here anyway," Abreu told reporters. "I'm going to sign myself here. I'm going to be here, believe me. I'm going to be here.

"I don't want to miss this, I don't want to miss what is coming, and I'm going to be here."

It's unclear why the White Sox haven't rewarded that loyalty with a long-term contract, but these trade rumors could provide insight. Chicago could move Abreu at the deadline for a power-hungry team with the plan of re-signing him in the winter. That leaves open the possibility that Abreu could like his new home and stay, but that's a risk-reward the White Sox will have to assess over the next week-and-a-half.