The Chicago Cubs agreed to terms with first baseman Eric Hosmer, and he already has a big supporter in starting pitcher Marcus Stroman.
The Chicago Cubs have filled a variety of needs through free agency this offseason. They brought in a shortstop in Dansby Swanson, a starting pitcher in Jameson Taillon, an outfielder in Cody Bellinger, and a catcher in Tucker Barnhart. The team did have a need at first base still, but they finally addressed in the form of a former four-time Gold Glove winner and World Series champion.
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs reached an agreement with former Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer.
For the past week, Hosmer and the Cubs were in discussions for a deal.
Marcus Stroman supports Eric Hosmer for Cubs
Once there were reports about Hosmer and Chicago being close on a deal, Bleacher Nation tweeted out that they saw messages about Hosmer being “a bad clubhouse guy.” Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman responded to the tweet, saying Hosmer was “an unbelievable human being” while taking shots at “biased media members.”
Hosmer, of course, began his career with the Royals. He won all four of his Gold Glove awards in his seven years with the team, and was a pivotal piece of the 2014 and 2015 teams that made it to the World Series, the latter of which he hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy for the first time in his career.
The veteran first baseman signed an eight-year deal with the Padres ahead of the 2018 season. This past season, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox after he utilized his no-trade clause that would have sent him to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto-Josh Bell trade.
In 90 games with the Padres last season, Hosmer recorded a .272 batting average, a .336 on-base percentage, a .391 slugging percentage, eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 91 hits. With the Red Sox, Hosmer slashed .244/.320/.311 while recording four RBI, six runs scored, and 11 RBI.
Hosmer was designated for assignment by the Red Sox after opting into his contract. He was ultimately released by the Red Sox.
The Cubs were in need of a first baseman, and they focused on bringing in Hosmer. After days of negotiations, the two sides agreed to terms on a contract.