In a significant move to fortify their lineup, the Milwaukee Brewers have secured a formidable addition, finalizing a $34 million, two-year deal with Rhys Hoskins to fill the void at first base, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday night under the condition of anonymity pending the completion of a physical examination.
The Brewers, who clinched the NL Central title last season with a stellar 92-70 record, only to be ousted by Arizona in the Wild Card Series, are bolstering their offensive arsenal with the acquisition of the power-hitting Hoskins. The team had relied on Rowdy Tellez and Carlos Santana at first base in 2023, but opted not to retain Tellez, who subsequently signed with Pittsburgh in December. Santana, meanwhile, remains a free agent.
The addition of Jake Bauers, acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees in November, adds versatility to the Brewers' first base options.
Hoskins, a right-handed slugger, sat out the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL in his left knee. Although he was able to resume swinging before the season's conclusion, he did not take the field for the Phillies even as they progressed to the NL Championship Series.
The 30-year-old first baseman, who held a $12 million, one-year contract last season, had been the second-longest tenured player for the Phillies behind Aaron Nola. Hoskins showcased his offensive prowess in 2022, hitting .246 with 30 home runs and 79 RBIs.
Making his mark in August 2017 with an impressive 11 home runs in his first 18 big league games, Hoskins concluded that season with 18 home runs, earning fourth place in NL Rookie of the Year voting despite participating in only 50 games. His first full season saw him hitting 34 homers, leading the National League with 116 walks in 2019.
While his postseason performance in 2022 saw a dip with a .159 batting average, Hoskins contributed significantly with a crucial home run in a pivotal Game 3 victory over Atlanta in the NL Division Series, a moment immortalized on a mural within Citizens Bank Park.
Unfortunately, his 2023 campaign was marred by injury, sustained while fielding a grounder during a spring training game. In his absence, Bryce Harper stepped up, starting 36 games at first base, and Alec Bohm, predominantly a third baseman, made 59 starts at first for the Phillies.
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