Cubs Rumors: Eric Hosmer, CHI in Contract Talks in Free Agency After Red Sox Stint

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Eric Hosmer is in contract negotiations with the Cubs, but no deal is done.

The club designated Hosmer for assignment on December 16 in order to make room on the 40-man roster.

Boston's decision to DFA Hosmer was puzzling to some, but the Red Sox wanted to give 22-year-old Triston Casas a clear lane to the position.

The BoSox acquired Hosmer, Ferguson, Rosier, and cash from the Padres at the trade deadline in exchange for a young pitcher. Hosmer's deal was paid down to the minimum by the Friars.

The Padres paid off most of Hosmer's contract so he wouldn't have made more than $760,000 in a season through the rest of his contract.

The Kansas City Royals had a player named Hosmer. He was an All-Star Game selection during his seven-year career with the franchise.

He signed an eight-year contract with the Padres but never lived up to expectations. He slashed.265/.325/.411 in four-and-a-half seasons with the club.

The Padres made him available on the trade market because of his lackluster performance. In 14 games for Boston in 2022, he slashed.243/.320/. 311 with fourRBI.

It's possible that Hosmer would be the Cubs' starting first baseman. Patrick Wisdom is currently atop Chicago's depth chart at third base, but he spent most of his time there in the past.

This winter, the Cubs have been linked to a former Oriole. He would be more expensive than Hosmer.