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There have been rumors swirling around Eric Hosmer with the Padres known to be the most visible suitor for his services. Their owner even came out publicly and admitted they had made him a “creative” offer that he hoped agent Scott Boras would like.
Well we though it had leaked today that they were about to sign him. An eagle-eyed fan noticed the Padres’ Instagram account was posting pictures of a new player.
So apparently the Padres Instagram account posted a pic of Hos and deleted it a few minutes later. #Royals
— Alma (@melbelrr11) January 25, 2018
Screenshot from a Padres fan: pic.twitter.com/RUnwNUIz1u
Oh, and their Twitter account seemed to be cozying up to Hos and teasing an announcement.
The #Padres are HELLA sketch rn on this Hosmer thing pic.twitter.com/TvPRlzcRg0
— MarcoGHST (@MarcoHuinquez) January 25, 2018
Got something to announce, Padres? Well not so fast. The Padres claim they were subject to internet hijinks.
Padres team official: The club's social media accounts, which posted and deleted Eric Hosmer items late last night, were hacked. As of now, it is unclear how that happened. Although teams run their respective accounts, they technically are assets controlled by MLB Advanced Media.
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) January 25, 2018
The Padres do not have anything imminent with Eric Hosmer, I'm told. They have continued examining options to back up Freddy Galvis. Ryan Goins might have been one before he signed a minor league deal with the Royals. The stove is not exactly hot.
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) January 25, 2018
Was it an over-excited MLB employee? Was it Scott Boras, trying to drive up interest in Hosmer? Was it the Russians? Deep state? A secret society? HOW FAR UP DOES THIS CONSPIRACY GO?????
As of now, Eric Hosmer is still officially a free agent. But stay tuned and keep a close eye on what the Padres are posting on Snapchat.
Update: The Padres blame it on the cyber.
The Padres social media accounts were inappropriately accessed last night, and messages that were inaccurate and unauthorized were posted. MLB Cybersecurity is now investigating the matter, and we apologize for any confusion.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 25, 2018