The Kansas City Royals have done more to build for the future than for the present. Nonetheless, they are holding out hope that one of their prized free agents will return to the fold.
It is easy to imagine that the Kansas City Royals will take a step back in 2018. They Royals have cut payroll, moving Joakim Soria and the disappointing Brandon Moss. Meanwhile, their top signings have been Wily Peralta and the inexplicable retaining of Alcides Escobar. In the latter case, they have essentially flushed $2.5 million down the toilet.
And yet, while taking a step back does appear to be the order of the day, the Royals are still hoping to retain at least one of their prized free agents. They are still speaking with first baseman Eric Hosmer, hoping to bring him back into the fold. General manager Dayton Moore has made no secret about how keeping their Gold Glove first baseman is at the top of the team’s wishlist. And, as Moore said, still talking is always a positive.
DAYTON on HOSMER: “We’ve had a lot of discussion over the last week. I can’t say we’ve made much progress but whenever you’re talking that not a bad thing."
— Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) February 5, 2018
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However, for as much as the Royals would like to bring back Hosmer, they are not likely to dig any deeper into the coffers. While he may want an eight year deal, Moore did indicate that there is hesitation to push the envelope further, saying that it “does not make sense for a team like (the Royals) to set the market on a player like Hosmer.”
There are indications that Hosmer’s priority is to remain in Kansas City as well. When asked about their other prized free agent, Mike Moustakas, Moore seemed resigned to the idea that he would depart. He indicated that Moustakas had other places he wanted to play, and that the Royals were not a high priority.
Of course, a lot can change over the next week or two. However, as it stands, the market for Hosmer appears to be down to the Royals and the Padres. The Royals offer is considered to be slightly more lucrative, and there is something for remaining in a place where one is a fan favorite. And, by making it known that Kansas City is preferable, he could continue on as another face of the franchise, along side Salvador Perez and Alex Gordon.
The Kansas City Royals are holding out hope that they can retain Eric Hosmer. Right now, that hope may be more than just a whispered prayer.