Eric Hosmer to the Padres

The Padres have signed Eric Hosmer to an eight-year deal, one worth $144MM. This is the largest free agent deal in San Diego history, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

This move makes Wil Myers an outfielder, something Myers reportedly said he would be open to if the club could sign Hosmer. The Padres can now choose between Hunter Renfroe, Jose Pirela and some others for the other corner outfield spot. Manuel Margot will hold down center.

We chatted about Hosmer quite a bit during first base week, and he made our list of first basemen to avoid. In something of a lateral move to San Diego, I doubt any of our feelings about Hosmer have changed. We still prefer that you draft Josh Bell 100 picks later.

For what it’s worth, Hosmer was the eighth first basemen selected in the Mixed LABR experts draft (if you count Rhys Hoskins as an outfielder and Edwin Encarnacion as a DH). I suppose after the top six go, it’s a free-for-all. And Hosmer does offer consistency at what looks to be a position with a large second tier of players. For my part, though, I’d take my chances with Miguel Cabrera (10th off the board) or wait for Josh Bell (14th) or Carlos Santana (15th). I am just uninterested in Hosmer’s profile at first base. He hits too many ground balls for me to take a chance on him in 2018.

What say you, folks? Any interest in Hosmer out in San Diego?