The length of the proposals were confirmed by high-ranking members of the Padres and Royals, but they declined to divulge the total guarantee, or whether opt-out provisions or buyouts are in the offers.
Hosmer is seeking at least an eight-year or nine-year deal, but it’s unknown whether either team will increase their offer to meet Hosmer’s request.
Jason Heyward received an eight-year, $184 million contract two years ago from the Chicago Cubs, and the New York Yankees signed outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year, $153 million four years ago, and the Baltimore Orioles signed Chris Davis to a seven-year, $161 million contract in January 2016.
Hosmer, 28, is coming off a career year. He hit .318 with 25 homers and 94 RBI with a career-best .385 on-base percentage, and has hit at least 25 homers with 90 or more RBI the past two years.
The Royals and Padres also are placing great value on Hosmer’s leadership skills and his value in the community. He became their most popular player among the fan base as the Royals won consecutive AL pennants in 2014-15 and, in 2015, their first World Series title since 1985.
No free agent has yet received more than Carlos Santana’s three-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. It’s quite possible Hosmer may wind up the highest-paid player this entire winter.
Who would ever have imagined his old team could be the ones willing to pay the most?
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