The Red Sox have been linked to Eric Hosmer for years. So it’s unsurprising their conversations with the Padres about the veteran first baseman predate their surprise deadline deal Tuesday.
The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier lays out more detail surrounding the Red Sox’ 11th-hour acquisition of Hosmer, who became expendable once the Padres landed Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Nationals. (Hosmer exercised his no-trade clause and declined to be traded to Washington.)
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The Red Sox were first tied to Hosmer in 2018, when he hit free agency as a perennial Gold Glove-winner and recent World Series champion. But the Padres outbid the Red Sox, inking Hosmer to an eight-year, $144 million deal. Dave Dombrowski then signed J.D. Martinez, which turned out to be a much better decision.
But the Red Sox’ interest in Hosmer didn’t end there. Speier reports that Boston and San Diego previously discussed deals in which the Sox would assume Hosmer’s salary and receive a top prospect in return. That kind of move — essentially buying prospects — is more typical for big market teams.
(As a side note, WEEI’s Rob Bradford says the Red Sox were listening on Nathan Eovaldi, but were asking “for the moon” in return.)
With holes at first base over the last couple of seasons, Speier writes the Red Sox remained engaged on Hosmer. At one point, Speier writes they discussed sending Christian Vazquez to San Diego for catcher Austin Nola, Hosmer and other parts.
The Sox traded Vazquez to the Astros Monday for two prospects, rendering the same result. Hosmer is in, and Vazquez is out.
We’ll see if they got any better.