Kansas City Royals: Eric Hosmer Sets Tone for Offseason
Eric Hosmer is one of the top free agents in the game, a player that may well be the top target of several teams this offseason. Whether or not he returns to the Kansas City Royals may change the future of the franchise.
For the most part, it is difficult to imagine that the decisions of one player will dramatically alter a team. Unless that player happens to be a superstar along the lines of Mike Trout, one player should not make that much of a difference for a franchise. However, in the case of the Kansas City Royals, where Eric Hosmer ends up will set the tone for the coming years.
One of the plethora of Royals free agents this offseason, Hosmer is one of the top players available Teams like the Red Sox and the Yankees, who are in need of a first baseman, are sure to be interested in his services. Given the seemingly unlimited payrolls of those two teams, it would appear to be a foregone conclusion that Hosmer will end up leaving Kansas City.
Of course, that does not mean that the Royals will let Hosmer go without a fight. As Jon Heyman noted, the Royals are going to do everything possible to retain their Gold Glove first baseman. Meanwhile, Hosmer’s decision will set the tone for the next few years in Kansas City.
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If Hosmer returns to the Royals, it would not be a surprise to see them make another run. Despite payroll concerns, they would likely be seeking upgrades to their bullpen, while looking to bring back Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain. The good times at Kauffman may not be over if Hosmer returns.
However, if Hosmer departs for a heftier bank account, then the rebuild is likely to come. Although Ian Kennedy, Joakim Soria, and Alex Gordon are essentially impossible to move at this point, the Royals could look to sell off whatever pieces they can. While they would struggle for a few years, the idea would be to open another window of contention three or four years down the line.
It does not help the Royals chances that Hosmer is heading into free agency after posting a career year. He played in every game, posting a .318/.385/.498 batting line, belting 25 homers and 31 doubles. At just 28 years old, he may be just about to enter his prime, making him an attractive target for quite a few teams, not just the Royals.
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The Kansas City Royals are at a crossroads for how they will attack the next few years. Eric Hosmer holds their fate in his hands as he looks to secure his own future.