The Cubs are adding a veteran first baseman to the mix, having agreed to a deal with Eric Hosmer, ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported Wednesday.
It’s a low-risk move for the Cubs, who are only on the hook for the league minimum salary for Hosmer. The Red Sox released him last month after acquiring him from the Padres at the 2022 trade deadline.
The Padres are responsible for the remaining three years and $39 million on his contract.
A 12-year veteran, Hosmer spent his first seven seasons with the Royals, winning the 2015 World Series, and signed an eight-year deal with the Padres entering 2018. He holds a career .277/.336/.428 slash line (.265/.325/.410 since 2018).
He was having a solid season with San Diego last season (.272 AVG, .727 OPS in 90 games) but was limited to just 14 games after a deadline trade to Boston due to a back injury that sidelined him for six weeks.
MLB
He won four Gold Gloves with Kansas City but has registered a combined -10 Defensive Runs Saved since 2018.
The Cubs adding a first baseman this winter always made sense to ease pressure and expectations on prospect Matt Mervis. The 24-year-old hit 36 home runs across three minor-league levels last season and is on the map for a 2023 big-league debut.
They were linked to José Abreu earlier this offseason and recently Trey Mancini, who is still a free agent.
“Certainly, he’s a big part of our future,” Cubs president Jed Hoyer said earlier this offseason of Mervis’ possible role next season. “We know he’s going to get a lot of plate appearances with us, a lot of playing time.
“We’re also still going to be in the market for bats.”
Whether Mervis makes the Opening Day roster, he’s in the Cubs’ plans for 2023. Hosmer adds a veteran to man the position and could be a complementary option for a potential timeshare scenario when Mervis reaches the majors. The designated hitter also provides additional lineup flexibility.
Hosmer, who hits from the left side, slashed .324/.359/.414 in 61 games (117 plate appearances) against southpaws last season.
The Cubs had no first basemen on their 40-man roster after designating Alfonso Rivas for assignment last month. Along with Hosmer, Patrick Wisdom and Cody Bellinger have experience at first.
The Hosmer move follows the Cubs adding shortstop Dansby Swanson, outfielder Cody Bellinger and catcher Tucker Barnhart, along with Jameson Taillon, Drew Smyly and Brad Boxberger on the pitching side.