Boston Red Sox not necessarily stuck with Eric Hosmer

Aug 20, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) walks across the field during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) walks across the field during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox are possibly out of luck if they want to trade Eric Hosmer.

He ended up in Boston due to his limited no trade clause in the first place, nixing his inclusion in the return for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. Ultimately, he was packaged to the Red Sox, a team not included in that ten team list, with a pair of prospects for Jay Groome.

Eric Hosmer staying with Boston Red Sox…maybe

That trade also triggered an interesting clause for Hosmer. As noted by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, his trade to the Red Sox triggered a full no-trade clause in his contract. Since he is not likely to opt out of the remaining three years and $39 million left on his deal, he may be a part of the Red Sox for the foreseeable future.

In theory, Hosmer could be of interest to several teams. The Padres are picking up a large chunk of his remaining salary, making him a perfect buy-low candidate for a team seeking a left handed bat. A team such as the Rays, who are looking to upgrade their offense and had been seeking a lefty bat at first, would be the type of team that could take a chance.

At the same time, the Red Sox could have a use for Hosmer. While first base prospect Triston Casas did make his major league debut last season, he is limited to first and the designated hitter roles. J.D. Martinez is a free agent and is not a guarantee to return. Hosmer and Casas could rotate between the two positions.

It is also possible that the Red Sox just release Hosmer outright. There would be minimal financial responsibility on their end and it would allow him to find a better fit for a roster. A trade may not be possible, but the Red Sox can still move on from him if they so desire.

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It is possible that the Boston Red Sox are stuck with Eric Hosmer through 2025. However, given his minimal obligations, it would be easy to move on.