[duncan_idaho]

So the Padres are trying to trade Hosmer.

Of course, the Royals come up as a potential destination. He's about to hit the "cheap" portion of his contract (owed $20M in 22, then $13M/year in 23, 24, 25).

The Padres know they will have to include cash and prospects to make it work.

The questions are:

1) If it's a straight prospect pay-off, how good does the prospect have to be in your mind? (top 50, top 100, etc.)

2) It's a straight cash pay-off, how much of the contract do you tell them to eat before you consider it?

Pretend you're not a Royals fan, just a fan of random team.

With $49M still owed, I'd think you would need $25M at least if it's straight cash.

I don't see any way it works for KC with the proximity of Pratto, Perez's age (and success DHing more often this year), and Carlos Santana under contract for another year.

But some team out there with deep pockets and some creativity at the beginning of their rebuild should jump on it, though. Nice opportunity to boost your farm.