Sep 2, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) runs the bases after hitting a 2-run home run in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Rhys Hoskins is beloved in Philadelphia, as evidenced by the standing ovation he received at Citizens Bank Park in June.
What an ovation from the @Phillies faithful for Rhys Hoskins in his return to Philly! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eznMNVsz2I
— MLB (@MLB) June 3, 2024
But Hoskins hasn't played well for the Brewers this season, and Milwaukee fans are lukewarm on the Big Fella. The deal Hoskins inked in January pays him $12 million in 2024 and $18 million in 2025, unless Hoskins decides to opt out. The contract also includes an $18 million mutual club/player option for 2026 with a $4 million buyout.
That's a reasonable deal for the Phillies version of Rhys Hoskins, who hit .242/.353/.492 (.845 OPS) over six years and averaged 36 home runs per 162 games. But as a Brewer, Hoskins is hitting .207/.295/.407 (.702 OPS) with 24 homers.
"There's a lot of different factors for me this year. I’m in a new place, new people, obviously coming back from a pretty significant injury," said Hoskins in early July. "I’m trying to give myself some perspective on that. But the reality is just because I’m a competitor and I know what I’m capable of and know what I’ve done in this league, those things just don’t match up. That’s what can be frustrating."
Hoskins was left without a defensive position in Philadelphia after Bryce Harper moved to first base and Kyle Schwarber was tagged the Phils' everyday designated hitter. In Milwaukee, Hoskins was expected to bring a consistent power presence to the heart of the Brewers lineup. But despite some vintage Rhys moments, such as this grand slam against Dodgers pitcher Taylor Glasnow, his 2024 season has largely been a bust.
Brewers fans are noticing. Writes Matt Breen of Brewer Fanatic:
"It would be a stunning move for Hoskins to opt out of his deal this offseason. If he does so, he’s giving up $18 million in 2025. He’ll never make that kind of money on the open market. All the signs are trending downward for the man. He would be lucky to find a deal of more than $10 million in free agency.
"Should we be dismayed by the return of Hoskins? Well, dismayed might be too strong of a word. Disappointed resignation might be a better term. Undoubtedly, many would like to see him gone and his $18 million salary allocated to other needs."
Hoskins, of course, may have lingering effects from the ACL tear that he suffered before the 2023 season. Adds Breen:
"Perhaps a year removed from his ACL will help Hoskins, who still can hit the long ball. He is not that old. Plenty of 32-year olds, such as Hoskins, have good years at the plate. And he will be highly motivated to have a big season - as he’ll likely hit free agency after the 2025 season. Money can cause people to achieve amazing things."
The Phillies organization, meanwhile, probably feels good about its decision to let Hoskins walk. Harper has been a defensive upgrade at first base, and Schwarber's numbers as the team's primary DH (.858 OPS, 35 HR) blow Hoskins' stats away.
