In a relatively quiet winter, the Cleveland Guardians just made what could be their most “low risk – high reward” move yet.
A minor league contract.
$1.5 million if promoted to the first team.
The name? Rhys Hoskins.
It sounds modest. But behind that small number lies a big question: Has Cleveland just found the missing power piece?
From 2018 to 2022 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Hoskins was one of MLB’s most consistent first basemen. .241/.350/.483, 130 home runs, at least 27 HRs per full season, twice exceeding 30 HRs. He was the heartbeat of the lineup.
Then an ACL injury in 2023 brought everything to a halt.
He signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. But the .223/.314/.418 numbers on 845 plate appearances show he never fully returned to his pre-injury form.
And now, in his 30s, Hoskins is no longer the “centerpiece.” He’s a gamble.
But Cleveland has reason to try.
The Guardians have struggled with power issues for years. Their lineup relies heavily on José Ramírez and the consistency of Steven Kwan. When those two are shut down, the rest often lack the power to change the game.
Hoskins may no longer be the reliable 30+ HR slugger. But if he’s still 70–80% of his Phillies form, that’s a significant upgrade for a power-hungry roster.
The tactical details are also noteworthy.
The first base currently has two left-handed players: Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus. Hoskins – a right-handed bat – opens up a logical platoon option. He can be protected from unfavorable matchups, optimizing his signature pull-side strength.
If healthy, he can earn a starting spot.
If not, Cleveland will only lose a minimal amount.
That’s the structure of a smart move.
But there’s another, harder-to-measure factor: psychology.
Hoskins was once the center of the playoff run in Philadelphia. Once the one to watch in big moments. Now, he has to fight his way back from a minor league contract to reclaim his place.
Some players collapse in that situation.
Others explode.
Cleveland is hoping for the second scenario.
AL Central isn’t an untouchable division. The Guardians don’t need a new superstar. They need another bat that will make opponents think twice when they step over José Ramírez.
And Hoskins, if everything fits together, might just be the cheapest – yet most valuable – answer this winter.
The question is no longer how good he used to be.
But rather:
How much gas does Rhys Hoskins have left in his tank?
And did Cleveland just win the lottery?
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