Things Getting Awfully Awkward For Padres Eric Hosmer

Another well-publicized potential deal falls through. And Eric Hosmer and his remaining $59M contract are still with the San Diego Padres. One of the team's "clubhouse leaders", Hosmer is still a Padre despite the club explicitly trying its best to unload his unwieldy contract for a 2nd straight year—with no takers.

For the second time in less than a year, the Padres tried (and failed) to trade 1B Eric Hosmer.@dennistlin on what it means for the "clubhouse leader," and how the Padres are running out of time to deal the 4x Gold Glove winner.https://t.co/N5o0xGIzUM pic.twitter.com/gysQjM5dtD

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) April 3, 2022

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the latest trade talks, with the New York Mets, have fallen through. The deal that would have seen Hosmer, Chris Paddack and Emilio Pagan head to New York in exchange for first baseman Dominic Smith, was apparently in advanced stages before the Mets pulled out. 

According to sources, there were also two deals on the table at last summer's trade deadline, one with the Texas Rangers and another with the Chicago Cubs, but neither materialized. How does Hosmer feel about knowing he's, essentially, not wanted? He says he's constantly checking social media to see where he might be headed. 

“I check every now and then, yeah,” he told reporters. “You know, I’m human just like you guys.”

Hosmer's new manager, Bob Melvin, says both the club and Hosmer will be professionals about the awkward situation. “He’s a pro,” Melvin said of Hosmer. “He’s been through this before. You know, it’s not comfortable, but it is what it is, and he’s preparing to play a major-league season with us.”

The Padres recently traded for former New York Yankees slugger Luke Voit, a 1st baseman by trade. For now, Voit will likely man the DH spot. But a 1B replacement for Hosmer is certainly on the roster. 

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports