San Diego Padres: 3 possible landing spots for Eric Hosmer
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.
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have shown that they are looking to contend soon. They were one of the busiest teams in the game prior to the lockout, revamping the middle of their infield and adding Jon Gray to the rotation.
But the Rangers still need help in multiple areas. One spot that they have been reportedly looking to upgrade is first base, where Nate Lowe had a solid, if somewhat uninspiring, performance last year. As he is just 26 years old, it is possible that he will improve over the next few seasons.
With that being the case, it is difficult to imagine that Eric Hosmer would be an upgrade. However, this deal would be more about what the San Diego Padres would send with Hosmer to Texas. If the Rangers can land another arm, such as Chris Paddack, along with a solid prospect, a trade may well be worth exploring.
Hosmer could also help the Rangers in other ways. He has postseason experience and won a World Series with the Royals. That is something that the Rangers are lacking on their roster, even with Corey Seager being brought on board. Those intangibles could be worth the deal as well.
The Texas Rangers are looking to upgrade at first base. While Eric Hosmer may not be that, the rest of the package and his intangibles could make a difference.
New York Yankees
Eric Hosmer landing with the New York Yankees would be considered a major disappointment by the fanbase. But he could end up being the answer.
The Yankees, for all of their money, have plenty of holes on the roster. They need help at first, short, the outfield, and the pitching staff. Luke Voit may have displayed the potential to be the answer at first, but he has fallen out of favor in New York, with the team aggressively seeking upgrades at first.
It is not a surprise that the Yankees have been connected to some of the top options. Freddie Freeman, Matt Olson, and a reunion with Anthony Rizzo have all been mentioned as possibilities. Hosmer would obviously be a disappointment compared to those options.
But just as is the case with the Rangers, Hosmer could bring other pieces. The San Diego Padres have plenty of outfielders, middle infielders, and arms. He could be part of a trade package that would fill multiple holes on the roster without costing much in return. Likewise, even with his salary, the Yankees could fill out the roster at a relative bargain.
Next. Breaking down the Padres' bullpen order. dark
Eric Hosmer is not necessarily the player that New York Yankees fans want in pinstripes. However, he could be the option based on what else he could bring with him.