MLB Buy or Sell: What to make of hot starts around the league

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals looks on before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Nationals 3-1. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 31: Eric Hosmer #30 of the San Diego Padres gets ready in the batters box against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 31, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Buy or sell? San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer

32-year-old Eric Hosmer is still sticking out like a sore thumb on the Padres’ payroll and his massive contract will remain on the books until the conclusion of the 2025 season. It has been five-plus years since he performed at the star-level he did as a member of the Kansas City Royals.

Hosmer has been durable during his tenure with the Friars but he has seen a decline in offensive production gradually every year since coming to San Diego. His Gold Glove defense has faded somewhat as well, making his total value to the team at an all time low heading into 2022.

Through his first 12 games in what is his fifth season as a Padre, Hosmer is off to a hot start, posting a .378/.404/.489 slash-line with a 168 OPS+ through his first 47 plate appearances. While this is certainly an encouraging sign, his recent production levels suggest that a drastic coming back down to Earth is highly likely for the once-great slugger.

Verdict: Sell

DENVER, CO – AUGUST 22: C.J. Cron #25 of the Colorado Rockies hits a sacrifice fly ball in the eighth inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field on August 22, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Buy or sell? Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron

I’ve been saying this since the Rockies first brought aboard big slugger C.J. Cron, but he has the potential to go down as one of the best free agent (re)signings of the offseason.

Cron, playing in a hitter’s park, showed off his muscle last season when he hit 28 home runs and drove in a career-high 92 RBI also with a career-high .281 batting average.

“Power” is Cron’s middle name as he has always been a threat to hit 25-30 (or more) home runs and in the hitter’s paradise that is Coors Field, he may very well be in line for his first career All-Star selection this season.

To begin 2022, Cron leads the major leagues in total bases (39) and has hit six home runs, driving in 16 RBI (both also leading the major leagues) and posting a slash-line of .333/.365/.813 through his first 12 games and 52 plate appearances. He ranked near the top of the league last season in max exit velocity, Barrel %, BB% and xSLG to name a few and looks to be starting his second season in Denver on a high note.

Verdict: Buy

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