Seattle Mariners: 5 offseason trade targets
Ed Stein
|
Jan 18, 2022
Eric Hosmer, San Diego Padres
2021 – Slash line .269/.337/.395 with 12 home runs and 24 doubles in 509 at-bats.
Contract Status
In 2018, Eric Hosmer signed an 8-year, $144M contract with San Diego. He is due $21M in 2022, then $13M for the next three seasons.
Pros
- Although not the same player he was five years ago, Hosmer is a lefty bat with decent power.
- He hits righties better than lefties .272/.354/.400
- Hosmer would do well with France and Kyle Lewis protecting him in the batting order.
- At this stage of his career, he is a designated hitter candidate, and as a former four-time Gold Glover winner, can give France an occasional day off at first base.
- As a part of the Royals 2015 World Championship team, the 11-year veteran has the valuable postseason experience this young Seattle Mariners locker room lacks.
Cons
- That’s a lot of money to pay, especially for a DH who is in decline. Not sure how much salary San Diego would pick up.
- Speaking of downward trends, since 2018, he has a .735 OPS.
- Hosmer historically doesn’t see the ball well at T-Mobile Park. He has a .286 batting average in Seattle but only walked 3 times in 116 plate appearances.
A final thought on Eric Hosmer
San Diego had the eighth-highest payroll last year and missed the playoff. They would be glad to unload Hosmer. It’s a matter of how much they are willing to pay to make it happen.
Related: Free agents the M’s are likely to sign
Which one of the five players do you think makes the most sense for the Seattle Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.
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