Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
It feels like we have been waiting on Eric Hosmer to break out for years now. He has certainly shown flashes of doing so, such as his performance during the last four months of the 2013 season or his postseason performance last year. The hope is that, at some point, Hosmer will put everything together and have that breakthrough season.
2015 may be the year that finally happens. Something seemed to click with Hosmer in the postseason, as he had six extra base hits in 57 at bats. He showed a lot more patience, drawing nine walks, while looking to drive the ball. This was a confident Eric Hosmer, one who looked like he belonged in the major leagues for more than his glove.
Even if the projections for Eric Hosmer are not overly bullish for the 2015 season, it may be time that he finally reaches his potential. While he is likely not to be the power hitter we had hoped for, there is not reason to expect that Hosmer cannot hit anywhere between 15 to 20 home runs. Add in his ability to steal a few bases, and the possibility that this ability to be patient and jump on pitches he can drive is going to stick, and Hosmer could be a solid fantasy asset.
Hosmer may not be among the top first basemen in fantasy baseball, but he would appear to be poised to put together a solid season. He is certainly worth a speculative pick later in the draft.