San Diego Padres Resume Talks With Hosmer (Reports)

As per multiple reports, the San Diego Padres have continued contract negotiations with free-agent first-baseman Eric Hosmer. Apparently, the Friars are willing to go all-in on Hosmer.

As per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Padres resumed their pursuit of free-agent Eric Hosmer. They’re so enamored with him, in fact, they”re willing to pass on the monster free-agent class of 2019 just to lock Hosmer up now.

As I’ve said here before, signing Eric Hosmer to a long-term deal has its risks, no doubt. But adding a player of his quality would bring this franchise to another level.

"“Signing Hosmer would mean no play for Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, DJ LeMahieu or Marwin Gonzalez. While there remains time for their current clubs to sign them, those four plus Bryce Harper and other all-stars are scheduled to become free agents after this season.”“That’s because if Hosmer is signed, there won’t be another high-priced addition in 2019, two people familiar with the team’s thinking said this week.”Kevin Acee, San Diego Union Tribune, 2/14/18"

More from Friars on Base

• Padres fighting with hated rival to sign quality veteran relief pitcher
• Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher

Maybe not to the top of the mountain, but well on their way. For the Padres to take advantage of the boatload of talent coming through the pipeline over the next few years, an on-and-off the field leader like Hosmer would do wonders.

Plus, having the star-power of Hosmer on-board would spark interest among other top-flight players once they hit free agency and would hopefully draw them to San Diego as well. There’s a laundry list of reasons to bring this guy in.

His obvious leadership skills, his ability to get on-base at clips that are nearly unrivaled in today’s game, and his star-qualities make Eric Hosmer an obvious candidate for the Friars to lock up.

And if A.J. Preller and Co. have a plan in place to build a team around Hosmer and this squad of top-tier prospects, which will include the addition of other (maybe not high-end) free-agents, how could we really argue with that?

Next: Buckle Up, 2018 Could Be An Exciting Ride

We have our doubts. Heck, some of us even have concerns. But if the San Diego Padres brain trust and the entire state of Missouri (and parts of Kansas) are so bonkers over Eric Hosmer, I guess I am too. Let’s Go Padres!