Predicting Landing Spots for Kansas City Royals Free Agents

Eric Hosmer

If you read Kings of Kauffman even semi-religiously, you know my thoughts on Eric Hosmer. I believe he ought to be the Royals’ top target in free agency. And I think the Royals will do everything humanly possible to keep him here.

I have a funny optimism about the Kansas City Royals retaining Hosmer. In the past, I would’ve told you they had no shot. So many former Royals greats (Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Jermaine Dye and Greinke) have left us.

But Kansas City has had a turn in its luck lately. I say Kansas City because this spreads to football, too. Let’s look at some of Kansas City’s biggest free agents over the past few years and where they have ended up:

• Justin Houston -> Kansas City
• Eric Berry -> Kansas City
• Danny Duffy -> Kansas City
• Alex Gordon -> Kansas City

Yes, I’m aware that Duffy wasn’t a free agent, yet. But he was about to be. And, yes, there are a couple of examples of guys escaping Kansas City’s grasp. But those are the biggest free agents in Kansas City recently, and they all agreed to stay.

I think the trend continues with Eric Hosmer. There are plenty of reasons the Kansas City Royals could lose him. But I think there are more reasons that they retain him. He’s the heart of the Royals and the best offensive player they have.

The Royals are going to sign Hosmer, and I believe they will find a way to move some money for Cain, too. Don’t give up on this team quite yet.

Next: Who Takes Home Royals Awards?

Prediction: Eric Hosmer remains in KC for eight years and $120 million.