Hosmer rejected the Royals' qualifying offer prior to Thursday's deadline, Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hosmer will set his sights on a multi-year deal in the open market, as the 28-year-old has officially become a free agent by declining this offer. During the 2017 campaign, Hosmer slashed .318/.385/.498 with 25 home runs and 94 RBI and played in all 162 games.