The Houston Astros and first baseman Jose Abreu agreed that the former American League Most Valuable Player would benefit from a minor league option.

Astros general manager Dana Brown revealed Tuesday that Abreu accepted an assignment to the team’s spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., effective Wednesday.

“We met with Jose on this, and we both agree that this move will be good for him and for the team in the long run,” Brown said in a statement. “We are confident that a change of scenery and a new environment will help him get his rhythm and timing back. Jose is a team-first guy, and we applaud him for this. We know what this guy can do, and we’re confident in his determination and work ethic.”

Abreu, 37, is a career .284 hitter yet began the 2024 season batting .099 (7-for-71) with 18 strikeouts. He has just one extra-base hit, a double, after hitting 18 home runs and 23 doubles in 2023.

Abreu was the AL MVP of the COVID-shortened 2020 season when he played all 60 games for the Chicago White Sox and slashed .317/.370/.617, leading the majors with 60 RBIs and the American League with 76 hits.

In 11 MLB seasons with the White Sox (2014-22) and Astros (2023-24), Abreu has 261 homers, 327 doubles and 956 RBIs.

The Astros said they will make a corresponding roster move before Wednesday’s game. They previously recalled slugging prospect Joey Loperfido from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday; the 24-year-old is an option at first base but will make his major league debut in left field Tuesday against Cleveland.

–Field Level Media