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San Diego Padres running out of time to trade Eric Hosmer

By David Hill

Jun 4, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer (30) looks on after striking out against the New York Mets during the third inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer (30) looks on after striking out against the New York Mets during the third inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is not a secret that the San Diego Padres want to move on from Eric Hosmer. They were reportedly offering him, as well as one of their top four prospects, at the trade deadline last season, with the prospect being added to sweeten the pot. Even then, the Padres were unable to find any takers.

Time is running out for the Padres to make such a deal. If they are unable to move Hosmer after the 2022 season, he will have earned his 10-5 rights, essentially giving him a no-trade clause unless he can be persuaded to head elsewhere.

San Diego Padres facing time crunch with Eric Hosmer

In theory, it may not be as difficult to find a taker for Hosmer as it would seem. His eight year, $144 million contract was very front loaded, as he received $21 million for the first five years, and then $13 million a year afterwards. He also has an opt-out after this season which could let him walk away as a free agent. A hypothetical $60 million for Hosmer over the next four years does not appear to be a bad deal.

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But Hosmer is not the player he had been for the Royals. His 2021 production was typical for his time in San Diego, as he produced a .269/.337/.395 batting line in his 565 plate appearances, hitting 12 homers and 28 doubles. His 104 OPS+ was barely above average, and not the type of production that one would hope for from a first baseman.

It would help if Hosmer was still an elite defensive option. However, that is also not the case any longer. He has cost the Padres five runs at first over the past four years and is no longer considered a Gold Glove candidate.

Maybe a change of scenery would make a difference. Maybe getting out of San Diego, where he is clearly no longer wanted, would re-ignite the bat and glove. There are plenty of teams that need a first baseman, and if the Padres are still willing to include one of their top prospects to make a deal happen, it is possible that Hosmer will be on the move. But they have to make this trade happen soon.

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The San Diego Padres would love to move on from Eric Hosmer. If that is going to happen it will need to be by the trade deadline this year.

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