The Chicago Cubs are quietly putting together a competitive team for the 2023 campaign.
Besides their prime offseason acquisition, Dansby Swanson, they also brought in former MVP Cody Bellinger, and pitchers Drew Smyly and Jameson Taillon.
Slowly, but surely, they are taking steps to return to relevancy.
On Wednesday, they agreed to terms with first baseman Eric Hosmer on a one-year deal worth just above the league minimum.
Hosmer has been scuffling at the plate for two straight seasons.
He hit .268/.334/.382 in 419 plate appearances with the San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox in 2022, but with just eight home runs.
He is definitely not the player he once was, and is already 33.
However, for the Cubs, bringing him in represents a worthy gamble.
Cubs insider Jesse Rogers seems to agree with that notion.
“Hosmer, 33, had a hot April last season then cooled off some, finishing the year in Boston. Cubs are paying him the minimum as the Padres are on the hook for the final 3 years of his contract. First base/DH both an option in Chicago. Has a career .764 OPS,” he tweeted.
Hosmer, 33, had a hot April last season then cooled off some, finishing the year in Boston. Cubs are paying him the minimum as the Padres are on the hook for the final 3 years of his contract. First base/DH both an option in Chicago. Has a career .764 OPS.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 4, 2023
From a salary perspective, the Cubs aren’t risking too many resources because they are on the hook for just above the minimum.
That makes it easier to bench or cut him if he doesn’t perform as hoped.
In the end, the Cubs should be able to give Hosmer an extended opportunity to re-establish his value.
The results may end up surprising a lot of people.
He just needed a chance.
NEXT: MLB World Reacts To The Eric Hosmer News