RADIO
Eric Hosmer Looks To Make An Impact With New Team
7 years agoEric Hosmer finally has a team in San Diego. At 28 years old, Hosmer joins Wil Myers as the foundation of a young Padres ballclub. Since 2011, Hosmer has been steady (.284 AVG, .781 OPS) and durable (five of seven seasons over 150 GP). He upped his power and cranked 25 HR in 2016 and 2017. While his peripherals do not give a clear indication of the step-up in power, he is arguably entering his prime. Hosmer parlayed a .761 OPS in 2016 into .882 in 2017 by increasing his ISO from .167 to .179. He benefited from some luck with a BABIP (.351) and LD% higher than career marks. Hosmer brings plate discipline to a swing-happy Friars squad and will bat in the middle of an ascending lineup. The .318 AVG is likely unrepeatable, but a career .316 BABIP supports his floor. Having surpassed 80 runs and 90 RBI in the past three seasons, Hosmer should again contribute reliable counting stats. Petco Park is a downgrade from Kauffman Stadium so expect a discount in the power numbers. His 71.8 ADP seems expensive for a medium-level 1B slugger, but Hosmer could be a value play if managers overly markdown the Petco-effect. If he slips a few rounds, owners could rely on Hosmer's rock-solid consistency all season.
