Free Agent Power Bat Rhys Hoskins Signs 2-Year Deal

After six years and 148 home runs with the Philadelphia Phillies, slugging first baseman/outfielder Rhys Hoskins has moved on in free agency, signing a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers worth $34 million.

BREAKING: First baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2024

Hoskins has an opt-out after 2024. 

The 30-year-old missed the entire 2023 season after tearing his left ACL in Spring Training. His last full season, 2022, saw him post a somewhat disappointing .246/.332/.462 slash line with 30 homers and 79 RBIs. Overall, though, Hoskins has averaged 36 home runs per 162 games in his career. 

He burst onto the scene in 2017 with a record 10 homers in his first 17 big league games. He ended up with an incredible 18 home runs in just 50 games that year.  Then in his first full season in 2018 he blasted 34 homers with 96 RBIs. He's also maintained a hefty OPS+ over his career of 125 (25% better than the average major league hitter).

A Look back on Rhys Hoskins' years with the Phillies ❤️ pic.twitter.com/k6P2Y8Dm1J

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 24, 2024

On the defensive side of the ball, he doesn't fit the Brewers' M.O., however, as the team that led the National League in defensive runs saved last season brings in Hoskins, who ranked 33rd of 36 qualified first basemen in Outs Above Average in 2022.

Given that, plus the fact that Hoskins' knee has just recovered from a serious surgery, the Brewers will likely use him quite a bit at designated hitter, with the occasional starts at first. 

Photo: Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK