Red Sox always get a free upgrade at first base

By trading Eric Hosmer, the Boston Red Sox managed to get promoted at first base for virtually no cost as the Padres pick up his salary.

On the day of the MLB trade deadline, Eric Hosmer nearly blew up the Padres’ Nationals pursuit of Juan Soto when he refused to travel to Washington.

That Red Sox were the ultimate winners of this power movement.

Boston worked out a deal to add Hosmer and prospects Max Ferguson and Corey Rosier in exchange for pitching prospect Jay Groome and cash considerations.

Eric Hosmer Handel: Red Sox always get upgrades at first base for free

That money is a big deal because according to the Associate Press, the Padres are covering up to $43.5 million of Hosmer’s contract. The Red Sox will be responsible for paying him the league minimum, which totals $246,154 for the remainder of this season, $720,000 in 2023, $740,000 in 2024 and $760,000 in 2024 year 2025 amounts.

That’s the equivalent of pennies for a four-time Gold Glove first baseman.

Sure, Hosmer isn’t at the all-star level that got him the lucrative San Diego contract. That doesn’t mean he has nothing to give to this Red Sox team, which has been crying out for a defensive presence at first base.

Hosmer’s signing allows Boston to keep Bobby Dalbec out of the firing line when he’s struggling, as he has this year.

In addition, Hosmer is a veteran who enjoys a good reputation among teammates and in the words of Rob Bradford on NESNHe brings “an advantage” that can spur the Red Sox on.

If it doesn’t work out, Boston gives up practically nothing and can cut bait without much pain. If it works, it’s considered an extremely smart move.

Manager Alex Cora told reporters the plan is for Hosmer to see plenty of action in Boston. He’ll take over at first base soon enough.