/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58191203/857057342.jpg.0.jpg)
UPDATE (Thursday): Multiple reports have surfaced in the last 24 hours that have disputed Wednesday’s report, with agent Scott Boras telling Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic that the figures were “inaccurate.” San Diego’s offer has not reached $140 million, according to a report, and Kansas City’s offer is not currently at $147 million.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ORIGINAL: First baseman Eric Hosmer has been the top name on the free-agent market all winter, and it appears his decision could come soon. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Hosmer has seven-year offers in hand from both the Royals and Padres.
Nightengale reports that San Diego has offered a seven-year, $140 million deal and Kansas City has offered a larger, $147 million contract over seven years. The Royals, who originally drafted Hosmer with the third overall pick in 2008, have been open to a reunion with him all winter despite likely losing Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas and Alcides Escobar in free agency.
Hosmer’s decision will likely come down to San Diego and Kansas City, barring the entry of a mystery team. A report Tuesday noted that the Cardinals were still pursuing him, but the club’s steady infield situation suggests that Hosmer may be out of St. Louis’ price range.
Hosmer’s decision could very well come soon, as he picks between returning to the organization that he has spent his entire pro career with in Kansas City or taking on a new challenge with a rebuilding San Diego club. The Red Sox, who were originally thought to be Kansas City’s main competition to sign Hosmer, took themselves out of the running by re-upping Mitch Moreland on a two-year deal last month.