It was a rollercoaster MLB trade deadline for Eric Hosmer.
The veteran first baseman was in the deal that is sending Juan Soto to the Padres, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause that would have sent him to the Nationals. Hours later, it was announced that Hosmer would instead be traded to the Red Sox.
Eric Hosmer hitting for the Padres on July 24, 2022. Getty Images
Juan Soto playing for the Nationals on July 31, 2022. Getty ImagesWhile Boston has been a disappointment this season and is three games out of a wild-card spot, it still is likely a better landing spot for Hosmer than a Washington team going through a full rebuild that just traded away a generational star.
The Padres are also expected to get slugging first baseman Josh Bell in the Soto deal. Bell will take Hosmer’s spot in the field and lineup.
The young prospects headed to the Nationals were the centerpiece of the return for Soto, so Hosmer’s reluctance only delayed the blockbuster, instead of derailing it.
Hosmer has three years and $39 million left on his contract after this season and is represented by Scott Boras.
Hosmer, 32, was previously linked to a trade with the Mets this offseason that would have sent Dominic Smith to San Diego.
