Report: Padres expected to 'turn up heat' to sign Hosmer before Christmas
The San Diego Padres' pursuit of Eric Hosmer took a favorable swing in their direction on Monday when a fellow suitor - the Boston Red Sox - re-signed first baseman Mitch Moreland.
After the signing, the Padres - who were already the reported favorites to land the Hosmer - are expected to "turn up the heat" to sign the 28-year-old before Christmas, according to two industry sources of MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
Hosmer is one of the hottest free agents left on the open market alongside powerful slugger J.D. Martinez and right-handed starter Yu Darvish.
The former Kansas City Royals first baseman is reportedly seeking a 10-year deal and has already met face to face with representatives for the Padres. He's also been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals and could reunite with the Royals.
San Diego's interest in the four-time Gold Glove-winner has been strong, as it believes he can lead the club through its rebuild.
Hosmer was a leader on the field and in the clubhouse for the Royals when they appeared in two consecutive World Series in 2014 and '15 - winning the title in '15.
He's also durable. Hosmer appeared in all 162 games for the Royals last season, and he's never played fewer than 128 games in a campaign.
Over seven years in the bigs, Hosmer owns a .284/.342/.439 slash line with 127 home runs and 566 RBIs.