Padres paying ‘significant portion’ of Eric Hosmer’s salary in trade to Red Sox

The San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer has reportedly been traded to the Boston Red Sox, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. As part of the deal, the Padres will get pitching prospect Jay Groome, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.

The Padres tried to include Hosmer in a trade deal for Washington Nationals star Juan Soto, but Hosmer is in a no-trade closure and rejected the deal.

According to MLB.com, “Hosmer is owed $39 million from 2023-25.” The Padres will reportedly be paying a “significant portion” of Hosmer’s remaining contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The Red Sox have struggled this season, and Hosmer has good history. It’s unsurprising they’re taking a chance on Hosmer, regardless of his tough season. If he can live up to his potential, he may be a better fit for the Red Sox.

Eric Hosmer may be a better fit for the Red Sox over the Padres

The Red Sox recently took a big historic 28-5 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, which helped move them to the bottom of the AL East standings. They may end up finishing below the Orioles, who have finished last every season since 2017, excluding 2020.

They also often rotate through first basemen, including Franchy Cordero and Bobby Dalbec. Catcher Christian Vazquez has also been included in the mix of first basemen, but he was recently traded to the Houston Astros.

Cordero and Dalbec haven’t been the most reliable players in Boston. This season, Cordero is hitting .219/.298/.363 for an OPS of .661. He hasn’t done well all season, but he especially plummeted over July, hitting a low .162/.240/.279.

Dalbec isn’t doing better. He’s hitting .205/.279/.363 for an OPS of .642. In comparison, Hosmer is doing much better than the two.

Hosmer is hitting .272/.336/.391 for an OPS of .727. He’s also won several awards, including four Gold Gloves, All-Star Game MVP and an AL Silver Slugger.

He underperformed in San Diego this season, but he will likely be a better fit in Boston where upgrades are desperately needed in several areas.