The Boston Red Sox excused themselves from the Eric Hosmer sweepstakes on Monday, announcing that they had re-signed first baseman Mitch Moreland to a two-year, $13 million contract. That left the Padres and the Kansas City Royals as the primary candidates to sign Hosmer, the top first baseman available in free agency. The possibility of Hosmer landing in San Diego has never felt stronger.

Yet both small-market suitors are weighing the cost as they continue their pursuit. As the Padres departed last week’s winter meetings, no agreement was imminent. Hosmer’s price tag, according to sources, has remained steep, far beyond the $83 million San Diego awarded first baseman Wil Myers in a franchise-record extension.

A new variable entered the picture Saturday when the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves, each seeking flexibility, exchanged burdensome contracts, including one belonging to Adrian Gonzalez. The former Padres first baseman waived his no-trade clause, the Braves agreed to cede his rights to the open market and Gonzalez has become a free agent, raising a locally pertinent question:

If the Padres don’t sign Hosmer, might they bring back Gonzalez while assuming minimal financial responsibility?


Spring training is eight weeks away — ample time for the remainder of the offseason to throw a wrench or two — but the question was asked and answered Monday. According to sources familiar with the organization’s thinking, the Padres are unlikely to consider a reunion with their former cornerstone.

“The direction we want to go, I don’t really see the fit there,” one official said.

Unlike Hosmer, who theoretically will remain in his prime over the next few years, Gonzalez, 35, is approaching the twilight of his distinguished career. Elbow and back injuries limited him to 71 games last season with the Dodgers, and in those appearances, he hit .242 with a .355 slugging percentage. He was Wally Pipped by rookie Cody Bellinger and left off Los Angeles’ postseason roster.

Gonzalez, a former Eastlake High star, would like to remain near the West Coast, and more than a few fans would gladly welcome a return to his hometown club. Unlike Hosmer, he would carry a negligible cost; the Braves will pay the vast majority of the $22.36 million left on Gonzalez’s contract.


The Padres, however, are not ready to move Myers to the outfield for anyone besides Hosmer, whom they view as a potential culture-changer. Additionally, the team would prefer to devote roster spots to players who could become part of their future nucleus. If Gonzalez were to agree to a reduced role, the American League, where he could serve as a designated hitter, could be more accommodating.

“It’s really just adding other quality players along with Wil Myers here as we look to move up in the standings in the next few years,” General Manager A.J. Preller said in an MLB Network interview Monday. “If the right player’s out there that plays first base, Wil’s told us ‘I just want to win,’ which is a great place to be.

“Honestly, for the most part, we look at it as Wil’s our first baseman, and if we can get an impact player, then that’s a scenario where we’re going to look to move him. Otherwise, I think we’re going into the year with Wil and some of the young outfield.”

Preller, who worked in a Texas Rangers front office that regretted trading Gonzalez to San Diego, is among the many observers who can appreciate the first baseman’s legacy. But at this late stage in Gonzalez’s career, he is no longer the impact player the Padres seek.


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