The Chicago Cubs continue to take steps towards respectability ahead of the 2023 season.
Late on Tuesday, the North Siders reportedly got close to another impactful move, which would be signing veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer to a deal.
Hosmer split time with the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox in 2022.
The 33-year-old hit for a .268 average and deposited eight home runs in 380 at-bats during the regular season.
For his career, Hosmer has a total of 196 home runs and owns a lifetime batting average of .277.
Eric Hosmer, Cubs are close to a deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 3, 2023
Jon Heyman of MLB Network was the first to report the news of the Cubs latest signing.
Hosmer broke into the big leagues in 2011 with the Kansas City Royals and manned first base for the team until 2017.
The slugger was a key piece in the Royals World Series runs in 2014 and 2015.
The veteran was signed to a seven-year contract by the Padres before the 2018 season.
He was initially supposed to be one of the pieces going back to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto deal, but he exercised his no-trade clause to Washington, which resulted in Luke Voit being added to the deal.
Shortly thereafter, the Red Sox acquired him.
Boston had recently released the veteran slugger.
Hosmer gives the Cubs some power from the left side and some valuable veteran experience in a relatively young clubhouse.
Chicago went 74-88 during the 2022 season, but they have been active this offseason, having recently signed Dansby Swanson.
The Cubs will look to close the gap with the rival St. Louis Cardinals.
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