Free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer is in contract negotiations with the Chicago Cubs, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, who notes that while things look “promising,” no deal is done.

Hosmer, who spent part of the 2022 season with the Boston Red Sox after coming over in a trade from the San Diego Padres, was designated for assignment by the club on Dec. 16.

Boston’s decision to DFA Hosmer was puzzling to some, but Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said at the time that he wanted to give 22-year-old Triston Casas “a clear lane” to the position.

The BoSox acquired Hosmer, Max Ferguson, Corey Rosier and cash from the Padres at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for pitching prospect Jay Groome. The Friars paid Hosmer’s deal down to the minimum, saving the Red Sox about $44 million.