The Abreu Option

[Timmer]

MLB Trade Rumors

Bobby Abreu is really struggling this year - he's hitting just .250/.325/.309 in 136 ABs. Even his occasionally Bondsian walk rate is down around 10%. The Yankees are paying him $15MM this year, and have a $16MM option with a $2MM buyout for 2008.

In my 2008 Club Options post a couple of weeks ago, I voted that the Yankees would decline the option. At that point I was ignorant to the buyout price, however. It's more like a $14MM decision, and that's a bit more palatable. If Abreu was on track for a line around .290/.420/.450, I think it's an easy choice to exercise. Commenters in the earlier post leaned towards the Yanks exercising it but then looking to trade Abreu.

Since we still have 80% of the season to go, it's much too early to call.
But if Abreu plays to his 25th percentile PECOTA - .263/.372/.413 - he'll
join the '08 free agent class. Does his slow start change your opinion on
the option?

Do we pick up Abreu's option next year? If not, who is in the outfield? Melky has played like a fourth outfielder. Do we deal Abreu at the deadline? Who else could afford his salary? Who could we get for him? Soriano? (The salaries would be a virtual wash.) Dunn? Who?