Eric Hosmer found a new home, even if it wasn't a part of the trade deadline's biggest blockbuster.
It was a chaotic morning for the 32-year-old first baseman, who was initially reported as a major piece of a blockbuster deal sending All-Star outfielder Juan Soto to the Padres for a crop of prospects. But there was a catch — Hosmer had a no-trade clause for 10 specific teams in his contract and the Nationals were one of them, holding up the trade momentarily.
While several reports suggested the Soto trade would still go through regardless of Hosmer's no-trade clause, there was a brief pause in the action as the Padres explored other avenues for the veteran.
Shortly thereafter, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune was first to report Hosmer will be headed to the Red Sox, giving Boston a new starting first baseman.
Hosmer is heading to Boston, per team source.
— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) August 2, 2022
For more details on Hosmer's contract and the trade to the Red Sox, we have you covered below.
MORE: Juan Soto trade grades: Padres win blockbuster deal
Eric Hosmer trade details
Red Sox get:
- 1B Eric Hosmer
- 2B Max Ferguson
- OF Corey Rosier
Padres get:
- LHP Jay Groome
What this means for the Padres
The Padres tried to include Hosmer with prospects SS C.J. Abrams, LHP Mackenzie Gore, OF Robert Hassell III, OF James Wood and RHP Jarlin Suana to land All-Star outfielder Soto, but Hosmer declined to waive the no-trade clause in his contract.
Hosmer reportedly had 10 teams on his no-trade clause list and with the Nationals being one of them, he had all the leverage with San Diego's front office. The Padres were still able to acquire Soto by adding 1B Luke Voit to the package, but Hosmer was not included in the deal.
MORE: MLB Trade Deadline Tracker: Live updates, news and rumors
Instead, Hosmer will reportedly be sent to the Red Sox (along with two prospects) and San Diego will have to pay a "significant portion" of the $44 million remaining on his contract, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
In return, the Padres have acquired LHP Jay Groome, who is the No. 11-ranked prospect in Boston's farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. Groome was MLB Pipeline's No. 1-rated prospect in the 2016 Draft, but injuries have plagued the 23-year-old's career to this point.
Dealing with lat and forearm injuries and Tommy John surgery, Groome didn't pitch a full season until 2021. Between Double-A and Triple-A ball this season, Groome has 92.2 innings pitched with a 4.81 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 134 strikeouts.
What this means for the Red Sox
This deal is a win across the board for Boston.
While Hosmer is no longer the All-Star and Gold Glover he was in Kansas City, he's still a more-than-serviceable first baseman who can make an immediate impact for the Red Sox. Add to it that the Padres are paying off a "significant portion" of the $44 million remaining on his contract, and Boston is filling its hole at first base at a major discount.
The Red Sox have platooned Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero at first base this season and neither has found any consistent success at the plate or in the field. In 290 plate appearances, Dalbec is slashing .205/.279/.363 with 93 strikeouts and 53 hits. In 244 plate appearances, Cordero is slashing .219/.298/.363 with 78 strikeouts and 47 hits.
Hosmer — who is hitting a modest .272 on the season with eight home runs and 40 RBI — will give Boston a reliable everyday first baseman who will be an instant upgrade on both sides of the ball.
They also added a 22-year-old second baseman in Ferguson and a 22-year-old outfielder in Rosier, who rank 11th and 26th, respectively, in the Padres farm system.
Even after a dreadful July where they went 8-19 and fell to last place in the AL East and out of one of the three AL Wild Card spots, the Red Sox are still only three games back from reclaiming a Wild Card spot. Adding Hosmer allows Boston to continue to remain competitive as it looks to qualify for the postseason.
Eric Hosmer contract details
Back in 2018, Hosmer signed an eight-year, $144 million deal with the Padres. After the 2022 season, he will only have three years and $39 million remaining on that contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. He also has a player opt-out after this season, if he chooses.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
| $20 million | $13 million (PO) | $13 million (PO) | $13 million (PO) | UFA |
The Sporting News will continue to monitor and update accordingly as more details of the trade emerge.
