The Padres struck out on Shohei Ohtani. They continue to take aim at another prominent target.
According to a source, the team met with free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer in San Diego on Thursday. The Padres have significant interest in the 28-year-old, who they believe could spearhead a playoff run within the next few seasons. Given Hosmer's visit, there appears to be some level of mutual feeling. The face-to-face interaction was their first this winter.
Hosmer is coming off a career year; the longtime Kansas City Royal won his fourth Gold Glove Award while batting .318 with a .385 on-base percentage and 25 home runs. Although his offensive production has fluctuated, the Padres are among those with high regard for Hosmer, who also draws praise for his intangibles.
In light of their interest, Padres officials recently approached first baseman Wil Myers about a potential move back to a corner-outfield position. Myers, who knows Hosmer from both players' time in the Royals system, agreed to the idea without hesitation, according to sources.
The Padres, of course, aren't the only team recruiting Hosmer. The Royals would like to retain him, and the deep-pocketed Boston Red Sox are among his other suitors. Some believe Hosmer will land a contract in excess of $150 million, nearly double San Diego's record (Myers' six-year, $83 million extension.)
The decision to pursue Hosmer did not depend on whether or not the Padres landed Ohtani. Due to international signing guidelines, every team could have afforded the Japanese star.
More dialogue with Hosmer or his agent, Scott Boras, could occur during next week's winter meetings.
