Abreu wants to stay with White Sox through rebuild: 'This is a family'

One of the most consistent performers in team history, Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu says he hopes to remain with the only organization he's ever known as it continues its rebuild.

"Definitely," Abreu told Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times on Saturday. "That’s a huge factor. It also has to do with the organization. We're on a better path. We already know what we're doing. I'm just blessed to be here, living my dream and being around good people."

"...Even though our (59-88) record (entering Saturday) is like it is right now, the wave of new players here makes it fun. We're just trying to enjoy it and have fun."

Only 30 years old and in the prime of his career, Abreu is currently the longest tenured and oldest active position player on the White Sox 40-man roster. The youth movement, led by top prospect Yoan Moncada, has quickly turned the White Sox minor-league system into one of baseball's most promising.

"This is my first team in the majors and I hope to be here for the rest of my career because of all the things this team has done for me, how they have treated me," Abreu said.

"I really have a deep appreciation for this team and front office. And I feel comfortable here, they are like my family even though I left my family in Cuba. This is a family I gained here when I came to the U.S. and I want to be a part of this family forever."

Since signing with the White Sox as an International free-agent in 2014, Abreu has provided tremendous value in Chicago. He's hit .308/.360/.558, has combined to 3.9 WAR this season, and is on pace to finish with over 100 RBIs for the fourth consecutive year.

Abreu is arbitration eligible this offseason and will be under contract until 2020.