Houston Astros star Jose Abreu once rejoiced at the end of Cuban defection era in MLB

The Cuban-born first baseman for the Houston Astros, Jose Abreu, is an MLB star. Abreu once celebrated the end of the player exodus era and rejoiced at the end of the Cuban defection phase in MLB.

The former slugger for the Chicago White Sox defected from Cuba in 2013. In 2018, he said that the harassment continues. As reported by CNN, Abreu said:

“Knowing that the next generation of Cuban baseball players will not endure the unimaginable fate of past Cuban players is the realization of an impossible dream for all of us."

"When Jose Abreu defected from Cuba, he didn't know if he'd see his son again. Nearly 3 years later, they reunited" - ESPN

After he defected, Abreu received a $68 million, six-year contract with the White Sox.

Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox

In 2018, it was declared that Cuban residents would be able to play in the United States and return home during the offseason. This followed a deal negotiated by representatives of Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation.

Officials from the Cuban Baseball Federation expressed their pride in the new alliance, after years of condemning the MLB for stealing their greatest players.

Jose Abreu became a huge star in the MLB

Following his historic rookie season in 2014, Jose Abreu's hitting prowess was well known, and information was being made public about his terrifying flight from Cuba in 2013.

Several players who left Cuba discussed the feelings they experienced upon leaving. Abreu said:

"It's completely different because my family is here. For me, my family is everything. To be able to get them here is awesome for me. It makes everything easier for me around the team and around my life because I have their support."

"When Jose Abreu defected, I asked someone who had seen him play what sort of MLB impact he’d have once he signed. 'It will be like adding Albert Pujols to your lineup,' I was told." - Robert Ford

Before leaving Cuba in August 2013, Abreu played for Cienfuegos in the Cuban National Series. Since 2013, Abreu has predominantly played first base, and (although in slightly fewer than 20% of the games he has currently played) he has also stepped in as a designated hitter.

Jose Abreu was awarded the Silver Slugger Award in 2014, 2018, and 2020, as well as the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2020. He also earned the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2014.