Atlanta Braves: 4 possible replacements for Freddie Freeman
By Kevin Henry
The Atlanta Braves could make a trade with the San Diego Padres to acquire Eric Hosmer
It’s not much of a secret that the San Diego Padres are looking to move first baseman Eric Hosmer and his remaining salary (there is $59 million left on an eight-year, $144 million contract he signed with San Diego following the 2017 campaign, including a $20 million base salary in 2022). The Padres reportedly tried to swing a deal with the Chicago Cubs during the summer to bring Hosmer on board. Any trade, including the one discussed with the Cubs, will likely also have to include prospects since Hosmer’s contract carries a big financial impact.
The $144 million contract was the largest in San Diego history, and the Padres haven’t received huge numbers from the signing, with Hosmer slashing .264/.323/.415 with 61 homers and 269 RBI in four seasons in San Diego. Compare that with a .284/.342/.439 slash line with 127 homers and 566 RBI in seven campaigns with the Kansas City Royals prior to his time in the National League West and you can see why Hosmer’s time in San Diego could well be running out.
If Atlanta took on Hosmer, the Braves would hope a change in scenery would reinvigorate him at the plate and he could rediscover the Gold Glove-winning defense that disappeared when he arrived in San Diego (he earned four with the Royals before leaving).
Would taking that chance along with gaining some prospects be enough for Atlanta to take on the salary and roll the bones on Hosmer? It’s an option, but likely not the best one for the Braves.