For the time being, Eric Hosmer is among the high-profile free agents still seeking a contract for 2018 and beyond. The 28-year-old first baseman is testing free agency for the first time in his career, and while a reunion in Kansas City is still in play, he's entertaining offers from other clubs.
Padres optimistic in pursuit of Hosmer
The Padres are optimistic that renewed talks with Hosmer will result in the free-agent first baseman signing with San Diego, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The club is also willing to forgo a substantial free-agent signing in the much-anticipated 2018-19 class should it land Hosmer, according to the report.
Next year's free-agent class is set to include Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, among other premier players. According to the Union-Tribune report, the Padres don't see themselves as having a chance to compete for such talent next offseason given the conservative approaches many other teams are taking this year in anticipation of that group.
The San Diego Union-Tribune report said there is a gap between what the Padres have offered and what Scott Boras, Hosmer's agent, is looking for; however, "there is a belief the sides are close." Hosmer is reportedly looking for a deal of more than seven years at $20 million or more per season. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 14.
Padres, Royals remain favorites to land Hosmer
Yu Darvish might have temporarily commanded the free-agent spotlight by agreeing to a $126 million deal with the Cubs, but the competition to land Hosmer continues.
According to The Athletic's Dennis Lin, the Padres and Royals are still chief contenders for the first baseman, who is one of the top two hitters on the market along with J.D. Martinez. Both teams are making Hosmer their top priority.
:: Free agent buzz ::
Hosmer, like Darvish, is expected to command a long-term, nine-figure deal -- especially since he's a young free agent at age 28 -- and was previously reported to have received seven-year offers in the $140 million range from both San Diego and Kansas City. But neither has been enough so far, with Hosmer reportedly seeking an eight- or nine-year deal.
However, in recent discussions with Hosmer, both teams have suggested that they might be willing to go beyond their initial offers, per Lin's report.
The Padres are attempting to lure the longtime Royal to San Diego, and have reportedly hosted Hosmer for multiple visits this offseason. Hosmer has never played for another team and led Kansas City to a World Series title in 2015. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 12.
Hosmer seeking deal of 8-plus years
Hosmer has reportedly received seven-year offers from the Padres ($140 million) and the Royals ($147 million), but he's seeking an eight- or nine-year contract, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Hosmer, 28, would prefer to sign a nine-year deal similar to the contract Prince Fielder signed with the Tigers in 2012, or at least a contract similar to the eight-year, $184 million contract Jason Heyward signed with the Cubs two years ago, Nightengale reported.
The Royals were able to bolster their offer after trading Brandon Moss to the A's on Jan. 29. However, Hosmer is hoping that any potential suitor will reach deeper into its pockets.
The left-handed-hitting first baseman recorded a career-best batting line of .318/.385/.498 and tied a career high with 25 homers in 2017 with Kansas City. He also played in all 162 games last season and has appeared in at least 128 games in every season of his career.
Hosmer, taken with the No. 3 overall pick by the Royals in the 2008 Draft, is a .284/.342/.439 career hitter with 127 home runs and 566 RBIs in seven big league seasons, all of which have come with Kansas City. -- This report was first posted on Feb. 7.