On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox announced that first baseman Jose Abreu has tested positive for COVID-19. He is asymptomatic.
As a result, the reigning American League Most Valuable Player will report late to spring training camp. He will also remain isolated for the next several days, according to the team.
“He believes he contracted a mild case of the disease in January, which is reinforced by the presence of COVID antibodies in additional testing. Other than being frustrated, Jose feels great and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to when he rejoins the club in the not too distant future,” the team reported in a statement from White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.
Abreu is the third of the four major 2020 award winners to come down with a case of COVID-19. Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman battled the disease in July but recovered and won his first National League MVP award.
American League Cy Young Shane Bieber tested positive for COVID-19 before reporting to Cleveland Indians camp and missed the first four days of workouts.
In the 60-game abbreviated 2020 season, helping the White Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2008, Abreu slashed .317/.370/.617 with 43 runs, 76 hits, 19 home runs, and 60 RBIs. He also led the American League in hits, RBIs, slugging percentage, total bases, and extra-base hits.
