The New York Yankees were one of the busiest teams in baseball last offseason. They didn’t land Juan Soto, but they still made waves-signing Max Fried, bolstering the bullpen with Devin Williams, and pulling off a string of moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Fast forward to this winter, and things have gone quiet in the Bronx. Outside of retaining Trent Grisham and making a few minor tweaks, the Yankees have yet to make the kind of headline-grabbing move fans have come to expect.
That could change soon. General Manager Brian Cashman has made it clear the front office is keeping its options open, including the possibility of trading for Jazz Chisholm Jr. But as of now, the Yankees still have several gaps to address if they’re serious about making a deep postseason run in 2026.
One of last season’s more underrated pickups was Paul Goldschmidt. The veteran first baseman brought a steady bat and a reliable glove to the Bronx, splitting time at first with Ben Rice.
Goldschmidt posted a .274 average with 10 home runs, but his value extended beyond the box score. He was a stabilizing presence in the lineup, particularly against left-handed pitching.
In fact, the only right-handed hitter in the Yankees' lineup with a higher wRC+ against southpaws last season was Aaron Judge. That’s elite company.
Now, with Goldschmidt currently unsigned and Rice expected to spend more time behind the plate, the Yankees have a hole at first base-and they need a plan. One name that fits the bill? Rhys Hoskins.
Hoskins is available, affordable, and potentially a great fit. While his time with the Milwaukee Brewers didn’t go as planned, his track record with the Phillies speaks for itself.
He hit 34 home runs in 2018 and followed that up with 30 in 2022. He’s shown he can be a legitimate power threat when he’s in the right situation.
The Yankees don’t necessarily need Hoskins to be the everyday guy. What they need is a right-handed bat who can complement Ben Rice in a platoon role-much like how they used Goldschmidt late last season.
That’s exactly the kind of role Hoskins could thrive in. He brings pop, experience, and a skill set that still plays, especially in Yankee Stadium’s righty-friendly dimensions.
And let’s be honest-this Yankees roster isn’t a finished product. There are still major moves to be made if this team wants to get back to the World Series.
Rumors continue to swirl around their interest in Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, and there’s always the potential for a surprise splash. But in the meantime, addressing first base with a smart, low-risk signing like Hoskins could be a key piece of the puzzle.
The Yankees aren’t known for standing still. Whether it’s Hoskins or another veteran bat, don’t be surprised if the Bronx Bombers make a move soon. They’ve got holes to fill-and October dreams to chase.