A day after pulling the plug on their failed Jeter Downs experiment, the Red Sox admitted defeat once again, this time by designating Eric Hosmer for assignment. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Wyatt Mills, who logged a 4.79 ERA over 19 relief appearances for Kansas City last season (20 2/3 innings).
Hosmer wasn’t in Boston long, appearing in just 14 games after the Red Sox acquired him from San Diego at the trade deadline. Considering the Padres are still paying most of his salary, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Hosmer, a four-time Gold Glove recipient at first base, attracted trade interest for teams in need of a left-handed bat. However, Hosmer’s contract includes a no-trade clause, which he exercised last summer, declining a deal that would have sent him to Washington as part of the return package for Juan Soto.
Hosmer’s departure would suggest Boston is high on Triston Casas, who stands a good chance of opening next season as the Red Sox’s starting first baseman. Casas hit a disappointing .197 with 23 strikeouts in 76 at-bats as a rookie, though his power (five homers) and plate discipline (19 walks) were encouraging signs.
It’s been a frustrating few weeks for the Red Sox, getting snubbed by Xander Bogaerts and Kodai Senga, with the Yankees’ recent moves (Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo and Carlos Rodon) only adding to the misery. Hope for a competitive 2023 is dwindling, though the Red Sox still have time to salvage their offseason, which can be accomplished by adding another big piece (Dansby Swanson would fill the void left by Xander at shortstop) and signing Rafael Devers to a long-term deal. Of course, the latter assignment just got a lot more expensive, with Devers undoubtedly taking note of recent contracts handed out to Carlos Correa (13 years, $350 million) and Trea Turner (11/300).
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