3 years agoThe Athletic's Ken Rosenthal has reported the San Diego Padres are exploring trade options for first baseman Eric Hosmer. Paired with the recent acquisition of second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier, the implication is infielder Jake Cronenworth will start receiving more reps at first base, rendering Hosmer an expensive backup. A primary incentive to moving Hosmer is for the Padres to get under the luxury tax. Signed to an eight-year, $144 million deal before the 2018 season, the 31-year-old has four years remaining after 2021. Expected to anchor the Padres transition into a winning franchise, Hosmer has underperformed, managing a sub-100 wRC+ in three of four campaigns. Currently carrying a .710 OPS with eight homers and five steals this season, the team would likely need to provide further concessions in order to move the veteran. Whether he's traded or benched, the takeaways is playing time for Cronenworth, Frazier and outfielder Wil Myers should be preserved with Hosmer being the odd man out.--Andrew Le - RotoBaller
Source: MLB Trade Rumors