The eight-year, $144 million contract signed with the Padres runs through 2025, but since he was released by the Cubs last season, he’s already getting that in full. Hosmer hit .276/.335/.427 with 198 homers and 893 RBI for the Royals, Padres, Red Sox and Cubs in his 13 seasons. He was a key part of the Royals’ World Series victory in 2015, but his best season was in 2017, when he hit .318/.385/.498 with 25 homers.

Hosmer is officially a free agent after being designated for assignment last week by the Cubs. The 33-year-old veteran first baseman batted just .234/.280/.330 with two homers in 100 plate appearances over 31 games before the arrival of slugging prospect Matt Mervis ultimately forced him off Chicago's roster. There should be plenty of teams interested in him, especially since the Padres are still paying his salary for a couple more years.

It was just a matter of time after Hosmer was recently shifted into a bench role with Matt Mervis' call-up to the majors. The 33-year-old hit just .234/.280/.330 with two homers over 100 plate appearances with the Cubs. He'll probably get another chance somewhere, but it doesn't look like there's much more left in the tank here. 

The pitch appeared to be a strike, but that's probably not the only thing frustrating Hosmer right now. He went 0-for-3 with a walk today in his first appearance since Tuesday.