Hosmer announced Wednesday via social media that he has retired from professional baseball.

EDGE Analysis

In addition to confirming his retirement, Hosmer also announced the creation of his own media company, which will host his podcast. The 34-year-old's decision to bring an end to his playing days wasn't unexpected, as Hosmer had been a free agent since being released by the Cubs last May. A four-time Gold Glove winner and one-time All-Star, Hosmer ends his career with a lifetime .276/.335/.427 slash line to go with 198 home runs, 893 RBI, 812 runs and 76 stolen bases over 1,689 games across 13 seasons with the Royals, Padres, Red Sox and Cubs. He won his only World Series title with Kansas City in 2015.

The Cubs released Hosmer on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Hosmer's struggles paired with the arrival of Matt Mervis pushed Hosmer off the Cubs' roster Friday. The Padres are still responsible for paying most of the $32 million left on his contract, meaning Hosmer will likely have plenty of suitors to pick from.

Hosmer was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Friday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 33-year-old first baseman was slashing just .234/.280/.330 through 31 games (100 plate appearances) this season and had barely seen the field since the promotion of Matt Mervis. Hosmer is still owed about $32 million on his contract, but the Padres are on the hook for the majority of that. Chicago signed him to a deal worth the MLB minimum in January.

Cubs manager David Ross confirmed Friday that Hosmer will serve in a bench role moving forward, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hosmer's move to the bench comes in the wake of the Cubs calling up top prospect Matt Mervis from Triple-A Iowa. Mervis will start at first base Friday against the Marlins in his MLB debut, and he's expected to operate as the Cubs' primary option at that spot while Trey Mancini serves as the team's designated hitter. Hosmer has retained his spot on the roster for now, but it's difficult to see him fitting with the Cubs over the long haul with Mervis now around.

With top prospect Matt Mervis expected to get called up from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, Hosmer could be in danger of losing playing time.

EDGE Analysis

Mervis is expected to see everyday playing time between first base and designated hitter, which could squeeze Hosmer out of the lineup more regularly, The latter has an uninspiring .657 OPS and only two home runs over 26 games, so it makes sense that the Cubs want to promote the powerful Mervis, who has a .924 OPS at Triple-A. Hosmer's fantasy value could be in line to take a significant hit.

Hosmer is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

With a lefty (MacKenzie Gore) on the bump for Washington, the lefty-hitting Hosmer will hit the bench in the series opener. Trey Mancini will replace Hosmer at first base.

Hosmer is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

With left-hander Jesus Luzardo on the mound for the Marlins, Hosmer will take a seat. Trey Mancini will take over at first base while Nelson Velazquez enters the lineup at designated hitter and bats ninth in the series opener.

Hosmer went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Hosmer hit his second home run of the season in the second inning, which is a good sign in what's been an underwhelming start to his time with the Cubs. The first baseman has a .655 OPS, which would be a new career low. Hosmer simply isn't hitting for much power any more, as he recorded a career-worst eight home runs in 104 games last year and only has the two long balls so far this year.

Hosmer will take a seat Friday versus the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Hosmer will get a breather after he went 2-for-10 with a solo homer and four runs scored over the last three contests. Trey Mancini will draw the start at first base and bat seventh against Los Angeles.

Hosmer went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and three runs scored in Wednesday's 12-2 win over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Hosmer's eighth inning home run, his first with Chicago, was part of an offensive outburst that included six runs in the last two innings. The first baseman is off to a bit of a slow start with just a .649 OPS across 15 games, though he has contributed 10 RBI. Hosmer should continue to see regular playing time, and with the Cubs clicking on offense right now, he could be primed for better production moving forward.