Signing Hosmer pumps Padres
All-star first baseman joining NL West team with eight-year deal
PEORIA, ARIZ.» Just the thought of free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer joining the downtrodden, youthful San Diego Padres sent a jolt through their spring training clubhouse.
The on-field vibe seemed equally cheery, as country music blared while players went to work under sunny skies in the Arizona desert.
Hosmer reached a preliminary agreement on an eight-year contract with the Padres, pending a physical. A person with direct knowledge of the contract confirmed the deal, speaking on the condition of anonymity Sunday because there had been no formal announcement of Hosmer’s signing.
It would become official once he passes a physical this week. While the final position players reported Sunday — most were already in the Padres’ spring camp — before Monday’s first full-squad workout, Hosmer wasn’t expected in the desert until at least Monday.
Hosmer, who spent his first seven majorleague seasons with Kansas City, would receive a reported $144 million. Padres manager Andy Green could only discuss the acquisition of Hosmer in generalities Sunday, but he was hopeful of having his full team Monday.
“I can’t replicate the magic of the first day twice, so, yeah, you want him or anyone to be there when you’re talking,” Green said. “Not that there is any real magic on the first day, but it’s always nice to have your camp settled as early as possible.”
The 28-year-old Hosmer batted a careerhigh .318 in 2017 and matched his best from the previous season with 25 home runs. A fourtime Gold Glover and an all-star in 2016, he drove in 94 runs and scored 98 for the Royals last season. He had a career-best .385 on-base percentage.
Veteran right-hander Chris Young also came to the Padres this offseason after most recently pitching three seasons for the Royals, calling Hosmer “one of my all-time favorite teammates” who brings “a competitive fire” that will be welcomed.
He hadn’t been in touch with Hosmer in recent days, but they did communicate earlier in the winter when Young chose San Diego and discussed that it was among Hosmer’s top choices too. Young said he didn’t want to add any pressure to Hosmer making a decision.
“Hos is a legitimate all-star,” Young said. “I think he brings a veteran experience, he’s a winner, he’s a champion and a great mentor for young guys. So I think he fits all the categories I think you’re looking in terms of a teammate, a leader, a competitor. I think he makes any clubhouse better, much less this one.”
While most every club feels a sense of optimism this time of year with a fresh slate as spring training begins, the Padres were especially upbeat as they got going Sunday at the idea of the power-hitting Hosmer in their lineup and at first base.
San Diego went 71-91 last season for fourth in the NL West above only the San Francisco Giants, and the Padres haven’t been to the playoffs since losing a 2006 NL division series.
Green knows what Hosmer could mean to a club’s chances of turning it around.
“It was always time to start contending for me,” said Green, beginning his third season as San Diego skipper.