The offseason market may not have played out as either side had hoped, but the match between the Cleveland Guardians and Rhys Hoskins could turn out to be a perfect fit. The team needed a power hitter, and the veteran wanted to play somewhere where he could prove himself while also pursuing a playoff berth.
It took until spring training, but the Guardians and Hoskins reached a deal to bring the soon-to-be 33-year-old into the organization. With the contract in hand, it’s now all about making the team and getting ready for the season.
Insider Terry Pluto recently revealed why Hoskins likely chose the Guardians, with a chance at the postseason outweighing a small difference in salary.
“If you’re sitting there and … ‘Let’s see, I could get $2 million to go to Oakland or somewhere, or I could get $1.5 million to come to Cleveland, play on a good team and see what happens’ … I think it helps in that regard,” Pluto said.
In his first six MLB seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Hoskins was one of the most consistent power hitters in the game. It started with 18 home runs in just 50 games as a rookie in 2017, and included two 30-homer seasons, one with 29 and another with 27.
Even after tearing his ACL and missing the entire 2023 season, Hoskins rebounded with 26 home runs for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. He was also off to a good start last season before a thumb injury suffered in July sidelined him until September.
He is struggling with the Guardians in spring training so far, with just one hit in 10 at-bats over three games. However, manager Stephen Vogt has praised his presence, which should help Cleveland’s array of young hitters.
Being able to add his potential power upside at a bargain price also fits its budget-conscious philosophy perfectly. Whether that’s a good or bad thing in the fans’ eyes is a legitimate subject for debate.
But with no real offensive threat anywhere near Cleveland’s price range this offseason, the organization may have done the best it could. If Hoskins can provide 25-30 home runs as a platoon DH and first baseman, the Guardians’ lineup will look a whole lot different.
It could also allow Hoskins to win a World Series title after losing to the Houston Astros with the Phillies in 2022.
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