On February 22, the Cleveland Guardians pulled off a very good signing: first baseman/designated hitter Rhys Hoskins. For an affordable price, the organization landed a solid veteran with a long track record of power hitting and solid numbers vs. lefties.
Of course, Hoskins, who missed nearly the entire second half with a sprained thumb, needed to prove his health and his effectiveness at the plate during the Cactus League in February and March.
It took a little while, but the slugger is rounding into form and is sporting a solid 129 wRC+ with three home runs and eight RBI in spring training. That’s more or less on par with his career 121 wRC+.
The player has done his part. Now, the ball is in the Guardians’ court, as Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga of Cleveland.com discussed on the latest episode of the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast.
“Rhys Hoskins, who has quietly come around with three home runs and a tightening swing as camp has progressed, is expected to receive confirmation this weekend under a veteran contract clause that requires the Guardians to notify him five days before the season opener,” they wrote.
The Guardians’ 2026 campaign starts in Seattle on March 26, so the team would have until the 21st (Saturday) at the latest to notify Hoskins whether he’s making the team or not. In all likelihood, he is.
Cleveland isn’t in a position to reject a player who can be an above-average offensive performer for an entire year. Additionally, Hoskins boasts a career 137 wRC+ when a southpaw is on the mound. There just aren’t too many powerful right-handed hitters in the Guardians’ lineup.
Hoskins’ $1.5 million salary is very much affordable, so there would be no way to justify leaving him off the roster. He will share first base and designated hitter duties with Kyle Manzardo if he makes the team.
The defensive and baserunning value is very limited, but all the Guardians need from Hoskins is to hit and play a passable first base. He can do both things, especially the former, so he should be among those traveling to Seattle with the squad next week.
With 500 plate appearances, there’s no reason why he can’t hit at least 25 round-trippers.
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