Major League Baseball thrives on its stars. However, what happens when those seasoned stars suddenly start to dim? That’s a question several teams have faced around the league as several veteran players are going through brutal starts to the 2024 season. One such name stands out among the others, and Ken Rosenthal shared his views on the matter. 

Houston Astros first baseman, Jose Abreu, is under similar concerns. The 36-year-old slugger has been a key part of Houston’s historic success, but now, his batting average has plummeted to a career-low of .182. And this was enough to grasp the attention of MLB insider and reporter, Ken Rosenthal.

Ken Rosenthal sounds the alarm on Houston Astros’ Jose Abreu

“I would say I am most concerned about Jose Abreu,” – this is how Rosenthal started while discussing the situation of veterans on the podcast, FoulTerritory. He further elaborated on his thoughts about the setback, stating, “Because his start has been just dismal, and he’s the oldest of those players [struggling].”

While Rosenthal primarily spoke about Abreu, he isn’t alone. Other established players, like Bryce Harper and Nolan Arenado, are also off to somewhat sluggish starts. However, among all, Abreu’s case appears particularly problematic due to his age. Harper and Arenado are still in their prime, but questions are naturally rising about whether Abreu’s dominant days are coming to an end.

However, it’s important not to hit the panic button yet, given that the sport is filled with streaks of alternating hot and cold performances. Even the best hitters go through periods where they struggle to find their groove. But Abreu’s struggles have come at a pivotal time for Houston; the team seems to have lost its once-winning glory. Nonetheless, they are still looking to bounce back into contention. 

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Will Abreu’s former dominance come back? 

The good news for the club is that Abreu has already marked a proven track record of success. Despite his advancing age, he’s a former MVP and has been a model of consistency throughout his career. And nothing can take that away from him.

While the hope is that this is just a temporary blip on the radar, Abreu is expected to be back to crushing baseballs soon. As for now, only time can reveal whether he can prove Rosenthal wrong and turn things around. But one thing is certain: Ken Rosenthal’s comments do underscore the pressure that’s mounting on the veteran slugger.

The former Chicago White Sox slugger’s fans are eagerly awaiting the signs of his return to form, hoping that their star first baseman makes a revival soon. Do you think Jose Abreu can effectively return with a blast? Let us know in the comments.