Will a recent hot stretch be enough to keep the Kansas City Royals from trading Eric Hosmer?
At the end of April, the Kansas City Royals were spiraling out of control and appeared headed for a disappointing conclusion to the best stretch for the franchise since the 1980s. It seemed only a matter of time before star first baseman Eric Hosmer was hitting the trade block and suiting up for another team. Instead, the Royals have turned it around dramatically and are back in the playoff picture.
Hosmer is having a career year as he prepares to hit free agency for the first time. He is hitting .318/.374/.492 on the year with 20 doubles and 12 home runs. Since April 23, Hosmer is batting .351/.403/.552 with 11 home runs. A small tweak to his swing that helped create a better launch angle and more balls in the air has propelled him and helped spark the Royals.
Two months ago, it was all but guaranteed that Hosmer would move at the trade deadline. Now, it seems far less likely. For better or worse, the Royals have to shoot their shot with this team and figure out what to do with their free agents when the time comes. It will take a total collapse in the weeks leading up to July 31 for the All-Star first baseman to become available for trade. If that does happen, these are the best fits for him.
5. Seattle Mariners
Injuries have kept the Mariners below .500 for most of the season, and they are in danger of falling below expectations yet another year. All of Jerry Dipoto’s wheelings and dealings have not been enough to make up for the injury bug that has been a nuisance to the Mariners in 2017.
The Mariners are still within striking distance of the second American League Wild Card, and have the lineup to make a run, regardless of how injury-prone their starting rotation has been. First base is the only position that stands out as a weakness for the M’s. Dipoto has two prospects ranked in MLB’s top 30 in Kyle Lewis and Tyler O’Neill. The Mariners have not had prospects ranked this high in several years, and will have to be careful about how aggressive they get on the trade market.
Blowing up a farm system to attempt to push a sub-.500 team into the playoffs is never a good idea, but the Mariners have not been to the playoffs since 2001. It could be now or never for the current core and general manager.