The Cleveland Guardians are diving headfirst into a youth movement this season, banking on promising talents like Chase DeLauter, CJ Kayfus, and George Valera to inject life into an offense that struggled at times in 2025. While the young guns have shown flashes of brilliance, the addition of veteran slugger Rhys Hoskins offers a safety net, bringing experience and power to the lineup.
Hoskins, known for his veteran savvy and playoff chops, is poised to be a crucial piece if the young hitters face the inevitable growing pains of adjusting to major league pitching. His role in the lineup is still being determined, but he’s already expressed confidence in his fit with the team.
In a recent chat with Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Hoskins shared his excitement about joining the Guardians and how his approach aligns with the team's vision. "Talking with [Vogt] and the way that he sees this team and how he sees the game, I think matches up with a lot of things that I’ve been able to accomplish in my career," Hoskins said. "I’m trying to come in here and find a way to make an impact and help these guys win."
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Hoskins in action, as Vogt mentioned he should appear in Spring Training by the week's end.
Hoskins, who previously played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers, joins the Guardians with a bargain price tag due to a series of injuries. These setbacks include a thumb sprain that sidelined him for the latter half of last season, a hamstring issue in 2024, and a torn ACL that wiped out his 2023 campaign.
Despite these challenges, Hoskins boasts a career .820 OPS and has the potential to add some serious punch to the lineup from the right side. At 32, he’s still got plenty to offer and could be a game-changer if he locks down a regular spot in the lineup.