Hosmer, Padres agree on eight-year contract
PEORIA, ARIZ. — Just the thought of free agent first baseman Eric Hosmer joining the downtrodden, youthful San Diego Padres sent a morning jolt through the spring training clubhouse.
The on-field vibe seemed equally cheery, as country music blared as 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 deal confirmed the tentative deal, speaking on the condition of anonymity Sunday because there had been no formal announcement of Hosmer’s potential signing.
It would become official once he passes a physical early in the week. While the final position players reported Sunday — most were already in spring camp — ahead of Monday’s first full-squad workout, Hosmer wasn’t expected in the desert until at least Monday.
Hosmer, who spent his first seven major league seasons with Kansas City, would receive a reported $144 million.
Padres manager Andy Green could only discuss the acquisition of Hosmer in generalities since it isn’t final, but was hopeful of having his full team together 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 four-time Gold Glover and All-Star in ‘16, he drove in 94 runs and scored 98 for the Royals last season. He also 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 much-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.”