The Cleveland Guardians were roundly criticized for failing to improve their offense during the long baseball offseason. But they finally did make a move once spring training began, and it could turn out to be one of the steals of the year.
The Guardians signed first baseman Rhys Hoskins, and if the power hitter can recapture his form after some recent injuries, it would be a huge benefit for Cleveland. If the early returns are any indicator, that could be the case.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is raving about Hoskins’ spring debut and said the team is “really happy” to have him.
“It’s good to see Rhys,” Vogt said. “The professional at-bat, we knew we were gonna get that. We saw that with the take on the 3-2 pitch that led to the [five-run] rally. It was just good to see him. He’s been great for our guys in camp. Everybody’s raving about having him. We’re really happy he’s in camp with us and excited to watch his spring training continue.”
Facing the Chicago Cubs, Hoskins was the DH and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. But it was his seventh-inning walk that made an impression.
On a full count, Hoskins was called out, which would have been his third strikeout in as many at-bats. However, the veteran correctly challenged the call using the new ABS system, and the walk set the stage for a Guardians rally that gave them the lead, though they ultimately lost the game.
Granted, the Guardians want much more than walks from Hoskins, who could provide some much-needed power to their lowly rated lineup.
Hoskins was one of the top power hitters in the game when he tore his ACL during a spring training game with the Philadelphia Phillies in preparation for the 2023 season. He sat out that entire year, but responded in 2024 by hitting 26 homers for the Milwaukee Brewers.
He got off to a good start in 2025 as well, but he injured his thumb in July and was able to make only a brief late-season comeback. The Brewers let him go, and he was on the market all winter before the Guardians took a chance on him.
About to turn 33 years old in March, Hoskins may not only provide production. He could also serve as a valuable mentor for Cleveland’s collection of young prospects this season.
If he is able to do both, and he helps the Guardians get back to the playoffs, Hoskins will be seen as one of the better offseason signings and well worth the wait.
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