Chicago Cubs rumors: 5 players that could be on the trade block

Cubs that could be on the trade block: First baseman Eric Hosmer

Like Bellinger, Eric Hosmer is another new addition for the Cubs but he might not be around long.

Hosmer has always been regarded as a great defensive first baseman as he has won four Gold Glove Awards. The numbers show that Hosmer was never truly “great” defensively, but in the last few years, he’s actually even been below league average (-9 Defensive Runs Saved since 2021).

Offensively, Hosmer has never been particularly great either, especially among other first basemen. In 2022, he split the season between the Padres and Red Sox and he hit .268/.334/.382 with eight home runs and 44 RBI in 104 games. His on-base percentage is what led him to a 108 OPS+ but the low slugging percentage has been more prevalent throughout the past few seasons.

Hosmer has never been a prolific power hitter but since 2021, his slugging percentage has been below .400, when his slugging percentage was .449 in his last five seasons with the Royals.

He’s on a one-year deal so if he’s healthy and around league average at the plate, the Cubs could look to deal him. They also have fellow free agent signing Trey Mancini (who is currently their DH) who could slide in at first base so they could have a DH by committee if Hosmer is traded.

Honorable mentions: Brad Boxberger, Michael Fulmer