It is no secret that the San Diego Padres want to trade Eric Hosmer. They had reportedly been looking to deal their first baseman prior to the trade deadline last year, even including one of their top four prospects to facilitate a deal. However, nothing came to pass, leaving Hosmer in San Diego as the lockout continues.
There are several problems with trading Hosmer. First, he is due another $60 million over the next four years, although his salary drops to $13 million after this season. Second, he has a no-trade list of ten teams, several of which could be potential landing spots. Third, his production has been mediocre at best since landing with the Padres. And fourth, he has an opt-out clause after this season. There is no guarantee that he can be a longer term answer.
Three possible landing spots for Eric Hosmer
But the Padres have their own motivation to make a deal as soon as possible. Hosmer is a year away from his 10-5 rights, allowing him to block a trade to any team. That means the Padres would have until the trade deadline this year to move him, or else they could be stuck with him through 2025.
The San Diego Padres are desperate to move on from Eric Hosmer. Let’s look at three possible landing spots he could end up in when the lockout ends.
Oakland A’s
There are some complications to the San Diego Padres sending Eric Hosmer to the Oakland A’s. Not only are the A’s on his no-trade list, but this is not a team willing to take on salary, something that is particularly the case as they are expected to have their own fire sale.
A trade could still work out. The Padres are one of the many teams that are reportedly interested in A’s first baseman Matt Olson. If/when Olson is dealt, the A’s would need a replacement at first and they do not have many options in their system. Hosmer could fill that void.
The A’s are also looking to revamp a farm system that is not even close to being what it once was. Tyler Soderstrom is their only top 100 prospect as their other highly regarded prospects have either graduated to the majors or flamed out. Adding one of the Padres’ top prospects would help as they look to find their next wave of young talent.
The financial aspect can also be worked out. The A’s did take on Elvis Andrus when the Rangers not only acquired Kris Davis but agreed to pay half of Andrus’ salary. A similar arrangement could happen with the Padres where they pay a significant portion of Hosmer’s salary to be rid of him.
The Oakland A’s could be a possible landing spot for Eric Hosmer. The San Diego Padres would just need to convince him to waive his no-trade clause first.