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How Eric Hosmer could fit the Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Jul 28, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Elvis Andrus (17) forces out San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer (30) at second base before throwing to first base late during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Elvis Andrus (17) forces out San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer (30) at second base before throwing to first base late during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the more interesting trade rumors for Matt Olson involved the San Diego Padres. It is no secret that San Diego would like to upgrade at first base, but they have a very large problem. Eric Hosmer is entrenched at the position and is due another $60 million over the next four years. Although his salary decreases from $21 million per year to $13 million per after this season, that is still a large amount to pay someone who has barely been above league average with the bat.

That is especially the case for the Oakland A’s. While other teams may not be willing to add Hosmer’s salary, A’s ownership is seemingly allergic to spending money. The idea that Hosmer would have to be part of a package for Olson would appear to be a non-starter.

How the Oakland A’s could afford Eric Hosmer

The Padres had attempted to move on from Hosmer before. They had reportedly been willing to attach one of their top four prospects to him to facilitate a trade, but nothing happened. As Hosmer is a year away from his 10-5 rights, the Padres need to make something happen soon if a deal is going to take place.

That desperation could actually work to the A’s advantage. If San Diego is going to move Hosmer, they would need to eat a large portion of his salary. This is particularly the case if they are going to include him in a package for Olson.

Such desperation could lead to the Padres paying at least half of Hosmer’s remaining salary. While he certainly has not been worth the contract thus far, he would be worth a gamble at $30 million over those four years. That is especially the case if San Diego attaches one of their top four prospects to him, as they are all expected to be potential All Stars if they develop as anticipated.

The A’s could even get another prospect, a possible lottery ticket that could develop into a viable asset or flame out. But that may be a small price for the Padres to pay to get rid of a player that no longer fits their roster. Likewise, even the A’s ownership could be willing to spend that money if it involves getting those pieces for the future.

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The San Diego Padres are going to want to move Eric Hosmer in any trade for Matt Olson. It is possible that he could fit on the Oakland A’s.