Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins on a two-year, $34 million contract. According to sources, the deal includes an opt-out clause for Hoskins after the first year. This signing adds an impactful hitter to the Brewers’ lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Hoskins, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL in his left knee, opted for a modified contract structure. Although he was able to participate in batting practice towards the end of the season, he did not fully recover in time to rejoin the roster. The Philadelphia Phillies, his previous team, expressed the possibility of activating him from the injured list had they advanced to the World Series.
Hoskins had an impressive tenure with the Phillies after being selected in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his major league debut in the second half of the 2017 season. Known for his power and patience at the plate, Hoskins consistently hit between 27 and 34 home runs in his four full seasons between 2018 and 2022.
Although his batting average has not exceeded .250 since his rookie year, Hoskins has maintained a solid offensive performance. With a career batting line of .241/.350/.483, he has proven to be a reliable middle-of-the-lineup presence. He also excels against left-handed pitching, boasting a .250/.399/.522 slash line. Despite his defensive limitations and below-average baserunning, Hoskins’ offensive contributions make him a valuable addition for the Brewers.
The Brewers sought to bolster their offensive production after ranking 17th in runs scored last season. Considering they play their home games at the hitter-friendly American Family Field, their ranking of 24th in overall hitting production, as measured by wRC+, left room for improvement. The first base position, in particular, posed a significant challenge for Milwaukee. Their previous first baseman, Rowdy Tellez, had a lackluster showing at the plate, prompting the organization to non-tender him. Carlos Santana was acquired to provide stability at first base for the remainder of the season, but the Brewers recognized the need for a more substantial lineup upgrade.
The signing of Rhys Hoskins addresses these concerns and presents an opportunity for the Brewers to enhance their offensive capabilities. As they finalize the deal, the team looks forward to the contributions Hoskins will bring to the lineup in the upcoming season.