MLB free agency has been untraditionally slow up until this point of the offseason aside from all of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ major moves. However, that may be changing, as the Milwaukee Brewers made a significant move on Tuesday night.
The Phillies’ decision to move Bryce Harper to first base permanently resulted in a drastic shift in the organization, leaving star first baseman Rhys Hoskins without a clear role on the team.
This led to the Phillies opting not to resign him this offseason. The Brewers took advantage of this decision on Tuesday, signing Hoskins to a two-year $34 million deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
BREAKING: First baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2024
The deal is essentially a “prove it” deal from the Brewers to Hoskins. The deal included an opt-out clause after the first season which will allow the team to move off the contract after the 2024 season if they so choose.
Fans took notice of the move on social media, sharing their thoughts on the signing and how they believe Hoskins will fit on this Brewers team.
https://twitter.com/mattysamms/status/1750005595682242666
Tell everyone you know that The Crew is back up https://t.co/vmHaL3cW5H pic.twitter.com/OYInMMaoN5
— 🍺Bat Boy Nick⚾️ (@PRINCE_OF_MKE) January 24, 2024
Thank you, @rhyshoskins. You will always be a part of Philly. Brewers fans are getting a real one. https://t.co/vp3oXdMsrS pic.twitter.com/RVMWUprNup
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) January 24, 2024
Thanks for everything old friend. One of the greatest moments in CBP history. https://t.co/bMo9WXuuQ2 pic.twitter.com/KcQ7pwyNu2
— Colin Lewandowski (@Colinlew8) January 24, 2024
THE BREWERS SPENT MONEY ON THEIR OFFENSE!! This must be a dream or something https://t.co/2RTJMBcDQN
— RGS (@Real_RGS) January 24, 2024
This signing for the Brewers comes with some obvious risk as well as some huge upside. Hoskins notably missed the entirety of the 2023 season after tearing his ACL in spring training last year.
When Hoskins is at his best, he is amongst the most dangerous pure hitters in all of baseball. He has two seasons in his career where he has hit at least 30 home runs with a career batting average of .242.
If he can provide these kinds of numbers for the Brewers in 2024, it will be a much-needed boost to this Brewers offense that desperately needs it.
