The San Diego Padres wanted to send veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer to the Washington Nationals as part of their trade for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. However, Hosmer held a no-trade list which included the Nationals.
Hosmer’s decision to waive his no-trade clause held up the blockbuster Soto trade in theory. Negotiations continued for a couple of hours in hope Hosmer would agree. The Padres were picking up the tab on the remaining three-years and $39 million owed to Hosmer through the 2025 season.
Ultimately, Hosmer declined to waive his no-trade clause for Washington, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. Yet, the Soto trade to the Padres isn’t in any danger.
Meanwhile, the Padres worked to find Hosmer a new home before the 6:00 pm trade deadline on Tuesday. Eventually, they agreed to a trade to send Hosmer to the Boston Red Sox, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Padres will pay a significant portion of the $44 million remaining on Hosmer’s contract, including the rest of the season.
Hosmer spent close to five seasons with the Padres after seven with the Kansas City Royals. He is hitting .272/.336/.391 with eight home runs, 40 RBI while drawing 33 walks in 369 plate appearances this season.
Soto and Bell are going to be Padres. The Nationals in turn will get at least lefty MacKenzie Gore, outfielders James Wood and Robert Hassell III, shortstop CJ Abrams and 18-year righty Jarlin Susana. It will be interesting to see what changes, if any, are made to complete the trade between San Diego and Washington.
