Kansas City Royals: Eric Hosmer could fall into their lap
The Kansas City Royals offseason is thought to hinge on what happens with Eric Homer. It turns out that he could fall right into their lap.
Conventional wisdom holds that Eric Hosmer is the key to the Kansas City Royals offseason. The Royals first baseman has been a vital part of their franchise over the past few years, his offensive production and Gold Glove caliber defense helping to bring the team back to contention. If Hosmer was to remain in Kansas City, then the Royals would make the required moves to keep that window of contention open.
However, conventional wisdom also decreed that Hosmer was as good as gone. He was considered one of the top free agents in the market, a player that could be coveted by teams like the Red Sox and Yankees, who had perceived holes at first. Given those two teams, Hosmer was expected to be firmly outside of the Royals price range.
As the offseason has continued, Hosmer’s market has failed to materialize. The Red Sox brought back Mitch Moreland, ending their pursuit of Hosmer. The Yankees, meanwhile, are determined to get below the luxury tax threshold, and seem content to stick with Greg Bird for the coming season. Hosmer’s market, meanwhile, has been limited to a rumored offer from the Padres, although it is uncertain as to whether or not the six year, $120 Million contract was actually put forth.
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Meanwhile, the Royals are just sitting back, watching Hosmer’s market shrink. It is in some ways reminiscent of when Alex Gordon became a free agent; no one expected the Royals to retain their left fielder, but he returned on a four year deal when other options failed to develop. Hosmer may find himself in a similar situation.
This would not be the worst case scenario for Hosmer or the Royals. It would be a legacy building move, a signing that practically assures Hosmer of being considered one of the Royals all time greats. For the Royals, it would give them a potential player to build around, adding to the core of Salvador Perez and Danny Duffy.
Even if the Royals do decide to undergo their rebuild, Hosmer would be a worthy addition. He would be another veteran in the clubhouse, someone that can teach the new crop of Royals players how to win. If he lands a six year deal in Kansas City, he would still be in his prime by the time the Royals conceivably expect to win again.
Next: Duffy wants to remain Forever Royal
Eric Hosmer has not seen the market he expected. He may just fall into the Kansas City Royals lap after all.