Royals Rumors: Potential landing spots for Eric Hosmer in free agency

The biggest name in Royals rumors this offseason is clearly first baseman Eric Hosmer. Where could Hosmer wind up in free agency?

As much as Kansas City Royals would love to see Eric Hosmer return to the team for the rest of his career, there’s a good chance that won’t happen. Hosmer is 28 years old, one of the best in his game at his position, and had a career year for the Royals in 2017.

What does that mean? That means that Hosmer is going to get paid big time this winter. The question remains by whom, however, as MLB free agency has just begun. Hosmer, as expected, rejected the qualifying offer extended to him by the Royals, and he’s officially able to figure out his future home.

So, who are the teams most likely to sign Hoz? Let’s take a look at some teams that have been linked to Hosmer this winter, starting with the least amount of buzz to the biggest amount of buzz.

POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS FOR ERIC HOSMER – MIAMI MARLINS

To be honest, the only reason I’m including this one on here is because Hosmer is from Miami. Whenever a guy hits free agency, it only makes sense to assume he’ll consider playing close to home.

Hosmer has never made it a secret that he loves his hometown and it wouldn’t be shocking at all for him to play there. According to The Kansas City Star, current Marlins manager Don Mattingly joked around about hoping to land Hosmer this winter.

"After announcing that Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt was the National League winner, Mattingly made a little joke, according to a person who was on hand. Mattingly said: “The American League Gold Glove award winner is … Eric Hosmer of the Miami Marlins.”"

There haven’t been a lot of rumors directly linking Hosmer to his hometown Marlins, but would it be surprising if he signed there? Not at all.