KC Royals Potential Departures, Vol. 5: Eric Hosmer

If dealt, what could he fetch and who could be in the market?

The Red Sox, who have nothing of value to offer, would probably like to upgrade on Mitch Moreland. And… umm… the Angels or Mariners if they hang around in the race? AL contenders who could be put him in a first base/DH role? Good teams are all set at first base, in a round-about way making the best argument on Hosmer’s behalf. A good first baseman is a cornerstone piece for a contender.

(Aside: the above three teams may have the three worst farm systems in the AL. Unless the KC Royals are interested in taking a significant discount, I suspect a weak market. But the Yankees and that short porch and their stacked system… if they’re contending in July and the Chris Carter/Matt Holliday trio isn’t cutting it…)

What Might It Cost to Hang On To Him?

Hosmer (and Scott Boras, who we’ve learned is essentially the Voldemort of baseball—GM’s don’t even want to say his name) are gonna want Davis money this winter. Only a fool would give it to them. With GM’s wising up to the whole “I can hit for power and not be a total embarrassment in the field and THAT IS IT” model of ballplaying, I’m not sure it’s out there for him.

I point out this article and this one, but Hos is heating up, possibly (hopefully?) rendering that kind of talk moot.

How’s the new CBA factor into all this?

Hosmer is the most likely of the KC Royals impending free-agents to sign with a team under the luxury tax threshold (~$195 million or so), meaning the return on his qualifying offer is considerably lessened.

And… there’s a non-zero chance that Hosmer would just take a qualifying offer, right? If this season wasn’t spectacular, might he sign the tender and try it again next winter? I mean, that’s good one-year money and a chance at testing the market again in a year.