Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres

Padres balked at Eric Hosmer-Anthony Rizzo mega-trade with Cubs at the deadline

The San Diego Padres talked to the Chicago Cubs about a deal involving Eric Hosmer and Anthony Rizzo but decided not to go forward.

In an alternate universe, Eric Hosmer is a Cub and Anthony Rizzo is a Padre.

Before the trade deadline, the Padres spoke to the Cubs about a Hosmer for Rizzo trade, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. However, they opted not to complete the deal.

Heyman also reported San Diego was in discussions with the Rangers about a similar deal involving Hosmer and Joey Gallo. However, they would have had to ship out centerfielder prospect Robert Hassell in that scenario.

Eric Hosmer and Anthony Rizzo were almost part of a Padres-Cubs deal

Hosmer was on the trade block because of disappointing production. His slugging percentage this season is just .387 and he’s managed only eight home runs. Bringing in $20 million per year and with five years left on his deal, the Padres considered moving on.

Recent performances may have given San Diego reason to back off the trade idea. In July, Hosmer batted .370/.446/.507 with an OPS of .953. The improvement from earlier in the season has been drastic.

If he keeps it up, holding onto Hosmer rather than including him in a trade for Rizzo or Gallo could look smart. His streakiness still looms.

The Padres are 62-48 and seven games back in the NL West. They managed to add Adam Frazier to the lineup, but they are dealing with injury trouble for Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Cubs ended up making a deal with the Yankees, picking up two prospects in outfielder Kevin Alcantara and pitcher Alexander Vizcaino in exchange for Rizzo.

The Rangers also sent their star to New York. Texas got prospects Glenn Otto, Ezequiel Duran, Trevor Hauver and Josh Smith for Gallo, Joely Rodriquez and cash.

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