Breaking: Slugger Rhys Hoskins Signs Free Agent Deal for 2026

He was twice a 30-HR slugger over the course of his eight-year big league career, but Rhys Hoskins had trouble finding a job this offseason after losing his gig with the Milwaukee Brewers last year amist another injury-plagued campaign. Now, finally, Hoskins has himself a contract, though it's of the minor league variety, with the Cleveland Guardians.

Source: Once finalized, the Guardians’ deal with Hoskins would be a minor-league contract that pays him a base salary of $1.5M should he make the major-league roster. https://t.co/fhmqq9NZ6Q
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 22, 2026

Zack Meisel reports that if Hoskins makes the big league roster, he'll be earning $1.5 million.

Cleveland is a great fit for Hoskins. The team has just four right-handed hitters on its 40-man roster. And while first baseman Kyle Manzardo had a nice season with 27 homers and a 110 OPS+, the left-handed hitting 25-year-old hit just .186 against southpaws with only five homers. Bringing in the right-handed Hoskins will offer a great platoon option there.

By the time the news came out about Hoskins' impending deal with the Guardians, he was already in the team's clubhouse at their player development complex in Arizona on Sunday.

In an eight-year career, Hoskins has 186 home runs with an .819 OPS.