The Cleveland Guardians’ latest move has sparked an immediate debate about how the roster will shake out.
After agreeing to a one-year deal with Rhys Hoskins, questions quickly surfaced about what the team plans to do at first base.
On 92.3 The Fan, Anthony Lima summed up what many fans were thinking.
“What are they gonna do at first base now?” Lima asked during a recent segment discussing the signing.
"This is somebody who has been formidable, it came out of nowhere… What are they gonna do at first base?"
⚾@KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony on the Guardians signing Rhys Hoskins pic.twitter.com/toRosUFphT
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) February 23, 2026
It is a fair question.
Before Hoskins entered the picture, Kyle Manzardo appeared to have a clear path to regular at-bats at first base and designated hitter. The left-handed hitter remains one of the organization’s most important young bats and is viewed as a key part of Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Now the situation looks more complicated.
Hoskins brings established right-handed power and a veteran presence. Even in a limited role last season, he showed he can still drive the ball and produce against right-handed pitching. That gives manager Stephen Vogt options, particularly in matchup situations.
One possibility is a true platoon. Manzardo could continue to see time against right-handed pitching, while Hoskins handles lefties and certain late-game spots. Another option would be rotating both players between first base and designated hitter to keep them fresh and maximize offense.
There is also the defensive element to consider. Hoskins has experience at first base, but the Guardians will have to decide how comfortable they are with the alignment over a full season. Manzardo’s development remains a priority, and the team will not want to stunt his growth.
Ultimately, the signing adds depth and flexibility, but it also creates a puzzle for the coaching staff. The Guardians clearly felt the need to add more proven power to the lineup. Now the challenge becomes finding the right balance at first base without disrupting the future they are trying to build.
As Lima’s question suggests, how Cleveland answers that will be one of the more interesting storylines to watch as the season approaches.
NEXT: Guardians Announce Probable Starter For Monday's Game
