Kansas City Royals News: Eric Hosmer and Roster Outlook in 2018
By Joel Wagler
The Kansas City Royals probably won’t have the money to re-sign more than one of their top departing free agents or make much of a splash this offseason.
Reality is starting to set in for the Kansas City Royals. Several key players have played out their contracts in Kansas City and may be worth more on the open market than the Royals have to spend.
According to Spotrac, the Royals are already committed to $101 million in salary. This figure includes just nine players under contracts and dead money for departed players. These numbers do not even include players under team control but not under contract, or players eligible for arbitration.
Their payroll could easily approach $120 million before they even consider any free agents.
In addition, the team is committed to $99 million in contracts in 2019, again not counting the players under team control or those eligible for arbitration.
Eric Hosmer, of course, is one of the free agents. He may be at the top of the Royals’ wish list of players to re-sign, but his agent, Scott Boras, according to Sam Mellinger of the KansasCity Star, is talking about getting a $200 million contract for Hosmer.
The Royals are not going to have enough money to be much of a presence this offseason. After setting a franchise record for payroll at $158 million in 2017, without a winning record or making the playoffs, it is almost for certain that a significant payroll reduction is coming.
It is time to start considering what the roster is going to look like in 2018.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS NEWS FROM AROUND FanSided
Five realistic free agent starting pitcher targets – Kings of Kauffman
"Some are aging veterans who are likely to take a cheap one- or-two-year deal in hopes of getting one last big payday before riding off into the sunset. Others are a little bit younger guys who, for one reason or another, have struggled to reach their potential."
Royals possible starting lineup with re-signing any big free agents – KC Kingdom
"This means no Eric Hosmer at first base, no Mike Moustakas at third base, no Alcides Escobar at shortstop, and no Lorenzo Cain in center field."
Early prediction for the 2018 rotation – Kings of Kauffman
While four rotation spots are probably locked down, barring injury, the fifth and final spot could be up for grabs. Several pitchers will have a chance to prove themselves between now and April.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS NEWS FROM AROUND THE INTERNET
Yordano – The Players’ Tribute
"And that was his favorite words to say to me, I think, because it’s like … About time! It’s this little brother thing. Every time I do something good, he’ll go, “About time! Man, it’s about time you did it!” Even after we win the World Series, the biggest accomplishment, he’ll be like, “Edinson, man, you old."
Hosmer’s leadership, Martinez’s power fit Red Sox needs – NBC sports
"Hosmer is an established leader, a quality uncommon for someone entering their age-28 season who is also freely available. Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may be more inclined to pay for intangibles than others, both because of his philosophical leanings and need. And the intangibles will be a part of the price."
Postseason hero for every MLB team – Bleacher Report
Any guesses? It may not be who you think.
Will you still love them when they’re gone? Royals Review
"Royals fans seem to have largely come to terms with what could be a mass exodus this winter. Because Hosmer, Moustakas, and Cain achieved so much, there doesn’t seem to be as much angst or ill-will at the possibility of them leaving.But will that change next year if you see Eric Hosmer wearing a Red Sox cap? Or Mike Moustakas wearing an Angels cap? Or Lorenzo Cain wearing a gasp Cardinals cap? I just vomited a bit in my mouth."
Next: The Eric Hosmer Market Value
A new era is starting for the Kansas City Royals. Fans have to be nervous the team will slip back into irrelevancy, and if the Royals are unable to sign or re-sign any key free agents, it is a real concern. Patience will be needed in 2018 and beyond as the organization tries to build up their system and develop some of their prospects.