The length of the proposals were confirmed by high-ranking members of the Padres and Royals, but they declined to divulge the total guarantee, or whether opt-out provisions or buyouts are in the offers.

Hosmer, who turned only 28 in October, is a divisive player seen in different lights by baseball people and the stat community.

Baseball folks see a franchise type player thanks to Hosmer's leadership, his athleticism, and his all-around play.

The numbers, meanwhile, suggest Hosmer is a very inconsistent player from year-to-year with a short track record of being the kind of offensive force typically associated with big money first basemen.

That said, will a team bet seven years and $20-plus million per season on Hosmer hitting more fly balls?