Rhys Hoskins Signs Two-Year, $34 Million Deal with Milwaukee Brewers
Brewers Fill First Base Vacancy with Former Phillies Slugger
Milwaukee, WI (January 10, 2024) – The Milwaukee Brewers have addressed their first base void, signing Rhys Hoskins to a two-year, $34 million contract. The pact was verified by an anonymous source familiar with the move, pending a physical examination.
Hoskins, a 30-year-old left-handed slugger, endured a season-long absence in 2023 due to a torn ACL in his left knee. Despite the setback, the Brewers are optimistic about his potential contributions to their lineup.
Matt Arnold, the Brewers general manager, expressed excitement over Hoskins’ addition: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rhys to our team. He’s a proven power hitter with a keen eye at the plate. We’re confident he’ll be a pivotal component of our offense.”
Hoskins’ Impressive Track Record
Hoskins burst onto the scene in 2017 with the Philadelphia Phillies, captivating fans with 11 home runs in his first 18 major league games. He concluded that season with 18 homers and finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, despite playing only 50 games.
His first full season brought 34 home runs, and he led the National League with 116 walks in 2019. Though Hoskins struggled in the 2022 postseason, batting a mere .159 as the Phillies won the NL pennant, he provided a crucial home run in their Game 3 triumph over Atlanta in the NL Division Series.
Hoskins’ 2023 season was unfortunately cut short before it began, as he sustained the knee injury while fielding a grounder in a spring training game. In his absence, Bryce Harper played 36 games at first base for the Phillies, while Alec Bohm, primarily a third baseman, made 59 starts at the position.
Brewers’ First Base Situation
The Brewers had Rowdy Tellez and Carlos Santana manning first base in 2023, but they released Tellez after the season, who subsequently signed with Pittsburgh in December. Santana remains a free agent.
Jake Bauers, acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees in November, is another option for the Brewers at first base.
Hoskins’ Role and Impact
Hoskins’ addition provides the Brewers with another potent bat in the middle of their lineup. Alongside reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich and All-Star outfielder Corbin Burnes, they aim to bolster their offensive production.
Hoskins is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. He’ll likely platoon with Bauers at first base, with Hoskins likely getting the majority of starts against right-handed pitchers.
Conclusion: Brewers’ Optimism and Fan Anticipation
The signing of Hoskins signals the Brewers’ determination to return to contention in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 campaign, where they finished 86-76 and missed the playoffs. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the powerful left-handed slugger, hoping he’ll help propel the team back to the postseason.
With Hoskins’ addition, the Brewers have addressed a key need and bolstered their lineup. The stage is set for an exciting 2024 season in Milwaukee, as the team looks to make a deep run in the playoffs.