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KC Royals: 2018 Free Agent Extension Candidates

KC Royals - Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
KC Royals - Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) - Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) – Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Hosmer

Eric Hosmer is, by all accounts, what you look for in a franchise player. He interacts with the fans, gives back to the community, cares about his team’s success, and comes through in the clutch.

Hosmer has already worked himself into Royals lore for decades to come. In the 2014 Wild Card game, it was Hosmer who sparked a rally with a triple and later scored the tying run. In the deciding game of the 2015 World Series, it was again Hosmer racing home to tie the game.

While it’s hard to fathom, losing Hosmer seems unavoidable. The KC Royals are unlikely to change their philosophy and pay 20 million plus to any player.

Hosmer is a superstar in Kansas City and is the leading candidate for face of the franchise. His presence is good for the team in more ways than one. He doesn’t just play well, he is the player that a younger generation of fans associates with. A growing fan base in Kansas City is never a bad thing, and Hosmer should keep them coming.

He’ll be 28 entering the 2018 season and is a prime candidate for an extension. Will the Royals shell out the money that Hosmer will most likely demand? Maybe more importantly, will Scott Boras push his client towards free agency as he does with most of his clients?

While it’s hard to fathom, losing Hosmer seems unavoidable. The KC Royals are unlikely to change their philosophy and pay 20 million plus to any player. Enjoy the ‘Wonderful Wizard of Hoz’ while he’s here and hope that when he leaves he doesn’t find a job within the division.

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