Eric Hosmer Has Message for Royals Fans Ahead of Return to Kansas City This Summer

Eric Hosmer spent most of his nine-year career with the Kansas City Royals prior to latching on with the San Diego Padres. Hosmer will return to Kaffman Stadium in July for the first time since leaving in free agency after the 2017 season, and he left a little message for fans in KC ahead of his return.

According to Jeffrey Flanagan, Royals beat reporter for MLB.com, Hosmer wants Royals fans to know that he has the dates circled on his calendar and that his return is "going to be fun."

Just chatted it up with Hoz in the parking lot. He wanted to make sure KC fans knew he had the dates July 24-26 circled -- that's when he returns to The K with the Padres: "Oh, man, that's going to be fun."
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) February 24, 2020

Hosmer was a household name in Kansas City from 2011-2017, as he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2011 and earned four Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger and made one All-Star team. He also played a significant role in bringing the franchise its first championship since 1980 as part of the prolific 2015 squad.

He signed with the Padres for a whopping eight years and $144 million, though he has since disappointed, recording a measly a 1.4 WAR in 2018 and an even worse -0.3 WAR in 2019. He's been far from formidable defensively, too, having led the bigs in errors by a first baseman with 14 last year.

I don't understand the folks who are STILL bitter against Eric Hosmer for taking the deal in San Diego. The dude was a huge part of winning a World Series in KC. He did his part and made his money. Be happy for the guy. https://t.co/XRZ0DCnbHE
— Adam Suderman (@adamsuderman) February 24, 2020

Expect a warm reception for Hosmer, a clubhouse leader from the 2015 World Series team who is beloved by fans back in KC.