The San Diego Padres have been courting Eric Hosmer all winter and late last night they finally snagged him as the former Kansas City Royal first baseman signed an 8-year, $144 million contract with the team. There is an opt out provision for Hosmer following the 2022 season.
This is by far the biggest contract the Padres have ever offered to a player nearly doubling the contract Wil Myers signed last season. Indeed, not only does Hosmer's contract supplant Myers, but Hosmer also supplants Myers at first base. Myers is expected to play left field for the Padres in 2018.
Could signing Hosmer be the key in making the Padres the biggest surprise in MLB this year? The Padres have bolstered their infield not only with Hosmer but with former Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis and the return of Chase Headley. The Padres also gave a three year contract extension to closer Brad Hand who had a breakthrough season in 2017 with 21 saves.
But the Padres have big question marks in their starting rotation. Indeed, they are knee deep in the Tim Lincecum sweepstakes. If you're banking on a pitcher who had an ERA over 9.00 in 2016 then it might be premature to declare the Padres a championship team in 2018. After all, they are still in the NL West. The Dodgers have won the division for five straight years and Matt Kemp has now returned to the fold. The D'Backs and Rockies are coming off NL Wild Card berths while the Giants have added Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen to their lineup.
It might also be the case that Galvis and Headley are being utilized as stop gap measures as both players become free agents after this season. Chances are the Padres won't see dividends until 2020. But they are heading in the right direction.
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