UPDATE FEBRUARY 20: The San Diego Padres officially announced the signing of free-agent and former Kansas City Royal Eric Hosmer.
IT’S OFFICIAL!
The #Padres have signed Eric Hosmer to an eight-year contract: https://t.co/UsgyvK5TIU pic.twitter.com/OUQ5Yzso5p
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 20, 2018
The eight-year deal is worth $144 million.
According to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, Hosmer will wear No. 30 to honor Yordano Ventura. Ventura died in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic in 2017.
Right after the Padres announced the signing, the Royals tweeted their thanks to Hosmer.
Thank you for everything, @TheRealHos35. #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/SjG5iHgsDB
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 20, 2018
ORIGINAL STORY:
Eric Hosmer is now a San Diego Padre.
The news was first reported by Kevin Acee with the San Diego Union-Tribune.
According to Jon Morosi with MLB Network, Eric Hosmer’s contract will be the largest in Padres history.
Eric Hosmer’s contract will be the largest in #Padres history. Wil Myers used to hold that distinction. Myers started 153 games at first base in 2017 -- and appears to be switching positions now. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 18, 2018
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Padres current first baseman Wil Myers will be sent to the outfield. In 2017, Myers signed a six-year, $83 million deal.
In his seven seasons in the league, Eric Hosmer has a career-batting average of .284 and has won four Gold Gloves.
Hosmer was drafted 3rd overall by the Kansas City Royals in 2008.
