Morning Mound Visit: sabermetrics news - 11/23/19

FanGraphs | Ben Clemens: José Abreu and the White Sox agree on a deal that would scrap the qualifying offer; a three-year deal totaling $50 million. While likely an “overpay,” this shows, finally, a team willing to spend some money to add new players, like Yasmani Grandal, as well as retain a fan favorite.

Baseball Prospectus | Rob Arthur ($): The Astros did not immediately start stealing signs in 2017 using the now-infamous banging; it actually started in mid-May. And, coincidentally, that’s immediately when the team’s offense found a completely new normal on things like whiff rate.

ESPN | AP: The Yankees have decided to convert Jacoby Ellsbury’s remaining $26 million into a non-guaranteed contract due to claims that he sought out unapproved medical treatment. The union says it will investigate potential contract violations, and we will have to wait for more details on this before even knowing what to make of it all.