The San Diego Padres were in a quandary when it came to Eric Hosmer. They had found a way to be rid of him, sending him to the Nationals as part of the Juan Soto trade. However, Hosmer had a limited no-trade clause which included Washington, one he refused to waive.
It may have taken a bit longer, but the Padres were able to move on from Hosmer anyway. According to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, he is heading to the Boston Red Sox.
Eric Hosmer served his purpose for San Diego Padres
It is easy to look at the numbers and view Hosmer as a disappointment. His eight year contract was universally considered an overpay at the time and he did not change that perception. Hosmer posted a .265/.325/.411 batting line in his 2434 plate appearances in San Diego, hitting 69 homers and 110 doubles. He was not worth the contract from a value standpoint.
But Hosmer meant something else to the Padres. He was a sign of hope, proof that they were serious about contending in the future. While they had to overpay to pry him away from the Royals, Hosmer was the first major free agent to head to San Diego.
That opened the floodgates. They emerged with Manny Machado in free agency as well while trading for the likes of Joe Musgrove, Sean Manaea, and Blake Snell. HIgh dollar extensions were given out as the Padres suddenly emerged as a major market team. It all had to start somewhere and Hosmer was that player.
For the Red Sox, Hosmer provides some stability. They had been alternating between Franchy Cordero and Bobby Dalbec at first, with neither providing much of anything. Hosmer, is nothing else, can be a slightly above average bat with a strong defensive reputation.
The San Diego Padres have managed to find a taker for Eric Hosmer. He is now heading to the Boston Red Sox where he can provide some stability.