Royals GM: Re-signing Hosmer a priority over Moustakas

After a long dance through the offseason, the Kansas City Royals are making Eric Hosmer a priority. At least, in comparison to fellow free-agent Mike Moustakas.

"We felt that Hos is the priority," Royals general manager Dayton Moore told Soren Petro of Sportsradio 810 on Monday when asked about Moustakas. "We have options at third (base) ... We want to make it clear that Hos is the player that fits us for the future. I want to get through the Hosmer negotiations before we work on Moustakas."

Heading into the offseason, Hosmer, Moustakas, Alcides Escobar, and Lorenzo Cain were all set to become free agents after playing integral roles on the 2015 World Series roster. Cain agreed to terms with the Milwaukee Brewers, while Escobar returned to the Royals.

"Moustakas had some expectations that were a little different, places he wanted to play," Moore continued. "It was clear from the beginning that (the Royals) weren't a high priority."

The 28-year-old Hosmer was said to be pushing for a contract of eight years or longer recently, and reportedly had a seven-year, $147-million offer on the table from his old club. The San Diego Padres were also involved, though Hosmer's agent, Scott Boras, refuted the accuracy of those reports.

Meanwhile, the market for Moustakas has not factored into the rumor mill nearly as much. Even further, the signing of Todd Frazier to a two-year deal worth $17 million by the New York Mets on Monday evening may work against the 29-year-old third baseman.