Cubs Rumors: Eric Hosmer Nearing Contract Agreement After Red Sox Release

Eric Hosmer is close to signing a contract with the Chicago Cubs.

The news was reported by Jon Heyman of the MLB Network, two weeks after Hosmer was let go by the Red Socks.

It was a bit of a surprise that Boston decided to DFA Hosmer. Under the terms of a trade with the San Diego Padres, the Red Sox only had to pay about $2 million over the next three years. Hosmer will be paid $38.6 million by the Padres over the same time period.

While the eight-year, $144 million contract Hosmer signed with the Padres was a massive bust, he's still a quality platoon player. Over the last three seasons, he's provided at least oneWAR, which equates to a free-agent worth of somewhere in the $8-9 million range.

Triston Casas is set to start at first base for Boston next season and the release of Hosmer may have been a gesture to allow him to find a better situation. It's questionable from a purely analytical point of view.

It would make sense for Hosmer to slot in at first base for the opening day of the season. The Chicago Cubs have made a few roster moves in order to commit to winning next year.

It's possible that Hosmer will join the roster.