Eric Hosmer peered around the Royals clubhouse on Monday morning as a small pack of media encroached on the space in front of his locker. He understood the questions that awaited.
One day earlier, Hosmer, the Royals’ 27-year-old first baseman, had revealed in multiple interviews that his representatives were engaged in continual conversations with club officials on a possible contract extension. As he spoke to reporters, he attempted to put the discussions in the proper context.
Hosmer would love the opportunity to remain in Kansas City for the long term, he said. But he also covets the chance to reach free agency for the first time.