Coming off a career-year in 2017, Eric Hosmer found himself on the free-agent market torn between returning to Kansas City and seeking a mega-contract with the San Diego Padres. He opted for the latter, signing an eight-year, $144 million deal. At the time, the 28-year-old was instrumental in leading the Royals to their first World Series title since 1985.
The Padres were hoping he’d provide consistency at first base long-term, and while his numbers on paper look solid, Hosmer logged a -0.2 WAR last year. In two years with the Friars, Hosmer has produced a .