Philadelphia Phillies: A trade for Eric Hosmer isn’t outrageous

The Philadelphia Phillies already have Rhys Hoskins at first base. However, with the DH likely to come to the National League, they may be able to help out teams looking to move on from a first baseman of their own.

Eric Hosmer has had a weird couple of years with the San Diego Padres. After winning a bunch of Gold Gloves and a World Series with the Kansas City Royals, he won something else after the 2017 season: a big fat contract.

Hosmer hasn’t lived up to it, hitting .264/.323/.415 with 61 home runs in 2,065 plate appearances. Never a prolific power-hitter, Hosmer was successful with the Royals because of his ability to hit for a high average (.284) and get on base (.342 OBP). When looking at ways the Phillies can get creative with trades, it always comes to mind that they have the ability to take on bad contracts. Hosmer’s is one to consider.

The Phillies may not hate having Eric Hosmer around at first base

We know the Phillies have a horrific defense. I think it’s the plot of M. Night Shyamalan’s next film. The twist ending is a collapse somewhere around late August.

I’ve enjoyed Hoskins’ time with the Phillies but find him much better equipped for a DH role almost full-time. Although Hosmer isn’t the same kind of defender he was during his Kansas City days, he is an improvement over Hoskins. That’s one thing to really like about him.

The Padres haven’t been shy about shopping him around. There were rumors this past summer about him possibly getting dealt to the Texas Rangers or Chicago Cubs. The Padres were looking for an offensive upgrade while also hoping to remove themselves from his salary. Hosmer will make $21 million in 2022 with an opt-out after the season is over. If he chooses to opt-in, whoever pays him will be on the hook for $13 million in each of the next three seasons.

This isn’t so bad for a first baseman about to enter his age 32 season. It’s not a position that puts a whole lot of wear and tear on the body. Hosmer could even benefit from a move to Citizen’s Bank Ballpark where I think I could hit a dozen home runs a season. Maybe a few of those long outs in San Diego turn into doubles in Philadelphia.

If not Hosmer, the Phillies could always pivot to another member of the Padres there with a large payroll hit. Wil Myers will make $22.5 million this coming season with a $20 million team option in 2023. He has spent his time in San Diego playing all over the place, fitting in most naturally in the corner outfield spots and first base. A shorter contract with a bigger bite out of the budget, he’s another player the Phillies can help the Padres move.

What else could the Philadelphia Phillies get from the Padres?

The only reason to take on Hosmer or Myers is to acquire something else noteworthy. The Padres aren’t selling per se. They’re in a strange position to move on from players they no longer view as the best fit. It’s not outrageous to think they could trade Hosmer and then go out and sign Freddie Freeman or Anthony Rizzo. Maybe they even call up the Oakland Athletics and talk about Matt Olson.

I don’t see the Phillies and Padres as ideal trade partners given how little the former have to spare.

But perhaps we should view a trade for Hosmer differently. Thinking of it as a strict salary-dump type deal, maybe the Phillies aren’t making the deal to try to steal someone else. Maybe Hosmer is the target and the low cost of getting him is worth it enough.

First base is far from the greatest need for the team this winter. However, if it can help improve the defense and give them a professional bat for the lineup at the lone cost of a low-level prospect and a bad contract, it might be worth it.