Colorado Rockies rumors: Is Eric Hosmer an offseason target?

Could the Colorado Rockies be looking for another first baseman during the offseason? According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, Colorado has former Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer “high on the early wish list.”

Despite the Rockies signing Ian Desmond to a five-year deal last offseason in the hopes that they the team had landed its first baseman of the future, it appears the Rockies could be looking to fill the position yet again this offseason. Part of that comes from Desmond’s versatility that he displayed last season by playing in the outfield in 67 games while only seeing action at first base in 27 contests. Part of that was the result of an injury-plagued season that started with a broken hand in spring training while the other was the solid season put together by Mark Reynolds at first base.

The 28-year-old Hosmer put together a 4.0 WAR last season while slugging 25 homers and logging 94 RBI. He exceeded his career averages in OBP (.385), SLG (.498), OPS (.882) and OPS+ (132) so he will certainly be a wanted commodity in the free agency period. It has been rumored that the Boston Red Sox will be one of the strongest pursuers of Hosmer.

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What effect would Hosmer have on Colorado if the Rockies signed him? Hosmer would bring additional power to the Rockies lineup and solidify not only the first base position but potentially the entire outfield at the same time. His signing would allow Desmond to be the team’s Opening Day starter in left field and shift Gerardo Parra to right field in the wake of Carlos Gonzalez not being offered a qualifying offer. Charlie Blackmon would once again hold down the center field slot.

However, Hosmer is going to come with a high price. It has been reported that he will be looking at anywhere from $100 million to $200 million for his services. With Scott Boras as his agent, it has been reported that Hosmer could be vying for an eight-year contract worth around $200 million. That could well price the Rockies and many other teams out of the running. It could also hamper the Rockies with potential long-term negotiations coming up with Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu and others.

Next: Three offseason needs and potential targets for the Rockies

Could Hosmer boost the Colorado offense? More than likely, yes. However, the price tag may simply be too high and too constrictive.

Could the Colorado Rockies be looking for another first baseman during the offseason? According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, Colorado has former Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer “high on the early wish list.”

More from Rox Pile

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