In a move aimed at bolstering their lineup, the Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with first baseman Rhys Hoskins on a two-year contract worth $34 million. The deal fills the void left at first base and provides the Brewers with another power bat for the upcoming season.
The news of the agreement was confirmed by a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to the contract still pending a physical examination. Hoskins' arrival in Milwaukee comes after the team's successful campaign in 2023, where they clinched the NL Central title with an impressive 92-70 record before being eliminated by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wild Card Series.
Last season, the Brewers relied on Rowdy Tellez and Carlos Santana to man first base. However, Tellez moved on and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in December, while Santana remains a free agent. With the addition of Hoskins, the Brewers now have a potent offensive presence in their lineup. Furthermore, Jake Bauers, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees last November, can also fill in at first base if needed.
Hoskins, 30, unfortunately, missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL in his left knee. While he was able to resume swinging before the season concluded, the Philadelphia Phillies decided not to utilize him even during their run to the NL Championship Series. Prior to his injury, Hoskins had a noteworthy career with the Phillies, becoming the second-longest tenured player behind Aaron Nola. In his best season to date, 2019, he led the National League with 116 walks and displayed his power with 34 home runs.
The young slugger burst onto the scene in August 2017 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, hitting an impressive 11 home runs in his first 18 games in the majors. Despite playing only 50 games that season, he finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting with 18 home runs. Since then, Hoskins has been a consistent contributor to the Phillies' offense, showcasing a blend of power and patience at the plate.
While he struggled at times during the 2022 playoffs, hitting just .159, Hoskins did provide a memorable moment with a crucial home run against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the NL Division Series. This feat earned him a spot on a mural displayed inside Citizens Bank Park, symbolizing his impact on the team.
The Brewers are hopeful that Hoskins can recover fully from his injury and replicate his previous success. His ability to hit for power and draw walks makes him an ideal addition to the middle of their lineup, providing protection for the likes of Christian Yelich and Keston Hiura. With their strong pitching staff and now a stronger offense, the Brewers aim to make a deep postseason run in 2024.
It remains to be seen how the upcoming season unfolds for Hoskins and the Brewers, but the signing signals the team's intent to compete at a high level. The agreement reflects the Brewers' proactive approach to strengthening their roster and adds excitement and anticipation for the upcoming baseball season.
-AP Sports Writer Steve Megargee contributed to this report.
