The Chicago Cubs have finally made their decision on who they are playing at first base for 2023.
With the signing of Eric Hosmer, the team is getting a veteran player to take over the duties at first base.
However, with Matt Mervis in their farm system, some fans wonder why the Cubs didn’t call him up instead.
While Mervis is a younger option, the Cubs opted to fill their hole at first base with a proven talent.
But was this the right move for the Cubs and what grade should they get for this signing?
B- For Signing Hosmer
There’s plenty to unpack with the Hosmer signing.
First, the deal is for one year, meaning he won’t be a long-term player with the Cubs.
FREE AGENCY ALERT🚨: The Cubs are signing 1B Eric Hosmer to a 1-year, league minimum deal. He is still being paid from his 3-year, $39 million deal with the Padres.
— MLB Updates (@MLBNews1234) January 4, 2023
With the deal being at the league minimum, the team isn’t paying a premium for his services.
This part of the deal is solid, which keeps money in play for other key players.
Another good thing about adding him is how he can mentor Mervis, who might get called up in 2023.
With Hosmer being a former Gold Glove winner, he has plenty of defensive pointers he can give the young prospect.
However, the bad part of the signing is how he has gone downhill at his position.
While playing for the San Diego Padres, Hosmer had a highlight reel of horrible defense and ground ball double plays.
Legendary 1B Eric Hosmer pic.twitter.com/VNTnRC6F5N
— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) December 22, 2022
With the Cubs cleaning house of ground ball hitters, adding Hosmer puts them back at square one.
Seeing his latest blunders from last season is why the signing gets a B- grade.
