Report: Eric Hosmer on Trade Block

 

Now that the San Diego Padres have brought in second baseman Adam Frazier in one of the early big deals leading up to the deadline, their infield is getting a bit crowded, and that just might be making Eric Hosmer available in a trade.

Padres on pace to exceed luxury-tax threshold for first time; Eric Hosmer trade among possible options. Story with @dennistlin: https://t.co/CkIxpiQPbS

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2021

Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Padres may be ready to trade the veteran first baseman. Rosenthal cites monetary concerns, as the team is now on pace to surpass the luxury-tax threshold, not somewhere they're keen on staying. 

But one of the on-field reasons a Hosmer trade makes sense at this point, is the playing-time squeeze he'll now be facing, after the acquisition of the All-Star 2B Frazier. Jake Cronenworth, who's been having a bang-up season himself at second base for the Padres, is likely to be moved to 1B—a position he is familiar with and plays very well—on a fairly regular basis to make room for Frazier. 

Hosmer, in his 4th season with the Padres, came into the week with an OPS of just .710, which, as Rosenthal points out, is the 2nd-lowest in the league among qualifying first basemen. Cronenworth has an OPS over 100 points higher, and an OPS+ 27% better. 

It's most likely that GM A.J. Preller tries to use Hosmer as trade bait to acquire starting pitching, something the Padres are looking for at the deadline. 

Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports