Rhys Hoskins is set to make his mark with the Guardians as they prepare to bring him on board for Opening Day. The team will need to adjust their 40-man roster to make room for the seasoned first baseman.
This move comes with a $1.5 million salary for Hoskins, a timely boost just after his 33rd birthday. It was anticipated that Hoskins would join Cleveland, especially after a notably quiet offseason where he stands as the sole new addition to their lineup.
The Guardians are looking to bounce back from a challenging 2025 season offensively.
The team is placing their hopes on young talents like Chase DeLauter and Kyle Manzardo, but Hoskins' veteran presence could be pivotal. Known for his power during his time with the Phillies, Hoskins is aiming to regain his form after missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL.
Over the past two seasons with the Brewers, Hoskins posted a .223/.314/.418 slash line with 38 home runs across 845 plate appearances. While these numbers translate to a 104 wRC+ and 1.1 fWAR, his 2025 performance showed improvement, despite being hampered by a sprained thumb that restricted him to 90 games.
Once a formidable hitter against left-handers, Hoskins' recent stats have dipped, aligning with his overall reduced output. However, his right-handed bat offers valuable depth alongside lefties like Manzardo and C.J.
Kayfus in the first base and designated hitter roles. Although not renowned for his defensive prowess, Hoskins showed notable improvement in 2025, contributing positively with metrics like +2 Defensive Runs Saved and +1 Outs Above Average.
As the Guardians look to rejuvenate their offense, Hoskins' experience and potential resurgence could be a game-changer for the team.