When the San Diego Padres signed Eric Hosmer prior to the 2018 season, it was easy to regard that contract as a drastic overpayment. Hosmer was a solid player, but he was not going to be someone that would change the direction of the franchise on his own. However, for a team that was looking to show that they were ready to put together a contending team, adding Hosmer was meant to send a message to the rest of the league.
But that message has worn off. Now that the Padres have essentially traded for any top name that could be available to stock their team over the past few seasons, they are looking to move on from Hosmer as they are on pace to blow by the luxury tax mark.
Padres on pace to exceed luxury-tax threshold for first time; Eric Hosmer trade among possible options. Story with @dennistlin: https://t.co/CkIxpiQPbS
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2021
Can San Diego Padres actually trade Eric Hosmer?
Hosmer came to San Diego with the reputation of being a decent hitter with some pop and a stellar defensive first baseman. He has essentially been that player with the Padres, posting a .263/.320/.415 batting line with 57 homers and 79 doubles in his 1856 plate appearances. While he has not won a Gold Glove since moving to the National League, he has saved seven runs defensively as he has continued to be a solid overall piece.
The problem is that he is not worth the eight year, $144 million contract that the Padres signed him to as a free agent. Now that they have added pieces such as Jake Cronenworth, Adam Frazier, and Ha-Seong Kim, all of whom can play multiple positions, there just is not enough room in the lineup. Hosmer, with his roughly league average bat at first, is no longer helping.
It is also fair to wonder where the Padres could trade Hosmer. The Royals are the only other team that valued him as much as San Diego did, and a reunion would seem logical. However, it is fair to wonder if they would be willing to bring Hosmer back with the emergence of Nick Pratto this season, and Carlos Santana currently occupying first base.
That is the ultimate problem. The Padres may well want to move on from Hosmer, freeing up a spot in the lineup and dropping back below the luxury tax. Yet, they would need to find a taker for his contract, and would likely have to include prospects in order for that to happen.
The San Diego Padres had to overpay to bring Eric Hosmer to the west coast. Now that they are approaching the luxury tax, he may be on the trade block.