KC Royals: Drafting first baseman does not mean end for Eric Hosmer

The KC Royals selected first baseman Nick Pratto 14th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft on Monday evening. A lot of fans figured that meant the end for Eric Hosmer, but does it really? No, it doesn’t.

The last time the Kansas City Royals drafted a first baseman in the first round was in 2008 when they made Eric Hosmer the third overall pick in that year’s draft. Hosmer has become a phenomenal player during his seven years in the major leagues and he’s currently in the final year of his contract.

With Hosmer having Scott Boras as his agent, the belief among Royals fans is that the former first round pick will be leaving for greener pastures after this season (that’s if he’s not traded). Boras has a reputation of wanting to get his clients as much money as humanly possible and he’ll have it good with Eric Hosmer in free agency, who is only 27 years old and in the prime of his career.

Hosmer had a slow start to the season, but is doing what he should be doing now for the Royals. As of June 13th (before the Royals played the Giants on Tuesday), Hosmer was slashing .314/.363/.469 with seven home runs and 26 RBI. The power numbers aren’t necessarily where fans want them to be, which has always been the knock on Eric Hosmer.

While drafting a first baseman shows the Royals are thinking about a future without Eric Hosmer, it doesn’t mean that they’ve given up on retaining him.

When the Kansas City Royals decided to select Nick Pratto with their first round pick on Monday, the obvious thought was “Ooh… A first baseman. Guess that’s it for Eric Hosmer in Kansas City.” Why would that be it though?

The Royals have gone on the record saying they want to keep Hosmer more than any of their other eligible free agents. I really don’t think that’s for show either. Hosmer means a lot to the Royals organization and I strongly believe that the front office is going to put a strong effort in keeping him.

Even if the Royals do lose Hosmer, whether it be via trade or in free agency, Nick Pratto isn’t going to be able to come up right away and take over. The kid is only 18 years old and just graduated high school.

It took Hosmer two full years in the minors before he was called up to the big leagues. Assuming Pratto is the same type of player, then he won’t be ready until the 2020 season. That’s three years from now!

More from Kansas City Royals

I get the comments and the speculation though. With football, when you see the team go after a position, say quarterback, you automatically start to assume the current starting quarterback is in hot water. That’s natural in sports, but it’s different in baseball due to the minor league system and players having to develop first.

Dayton Moore said of the Pratto pick,

"“In the first round, you want to take the player or pitcher that you think has the highest upside,” Moore said. “That’s our philosophy. That’s what we feel is important.”"

The KC Royals drafted Nick Pratto because they liked what he had to offer, not necessarily what his position on the diamond was. If the Royals can manage to keep Hosmer in Kansas City past this season, then it’s also a strong possibility they could start training Pratto at other positions, especially if he starts to look MLB ready.

While drafting a first baseman shows the Royals are thinking about a future without Eric Hosmer, it doesn’t mean that they’ve given up on retaining him. Just remember that.

Home/Kansas City Royals