Rhys Hoskins is finalizing a minor league agreement with the Cleveland Guardians, with reports stating the deal includes a $1.5 million salary if he earns a spot on Cleveland’s Major League roster this season. The 32-year-old first baseman, who will turn 33 next month, is aiming to revitalize his career after several injury setbacks in recent years.
Hoskins’ Career Background and Recent Challenges
Hoskins spent six productive seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, establishing himself as a reliable corner hitter known for consistent power and strong plate discipline. Despite below-average batting averages at times, he compensated by regularly hitting around 30 home runs per season and maintaining walk rates above 10%. His 2022 campaign was promising, as he finished with a .246/.332/.462 slash line and 30 homers over 156 games. However, an ACL tear abruptly ended his 2023 season before it started, leaving his future uncertain heading into free agency.
Following that injury, Hoskins secured a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, which allowed him an opt-out option after the 2024 season. He appeared in 131 games during his first year in Milwaukee, though his offensive output fell short of expectations. His slash line dropped to .214/.303/.419 with a weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 101, while a career-high 28.8% strikeout rate hurt his overall value. Despite these struggles, he still managed 26 home runs.
Performance Fluctuations and Injury Impact in Milwaukee
Hoskins’ second season with the Brewers was interrupted by a sprained thumb, limiting him to just 90 games. When healthy, he showed signs of improvement, batting .237/.332/.416 with a wRC+ of 109 across 328 plate appearances. Although his power numbers dipped to the lowest point of his career, his walk rate climbed to 11.6% — his best since 2020 — and his strikeout rate decreased slightly to 27.7%. Still, these injury issues over the past two years have caused his market value to decline, and his name did not feature prominently during winter trade discussions.
Guardians Offer Hoskins Opportunity to Compete for Opening Day Role
With Spring Training underway, Hoskins chose to sign a minor league deal with the Guardians, hoping to earn a place on their Opening Day roster. Cleveland’s roster construction makes Hoskins a logical addition, as their current first baseman Kyle Manzardo and likely designated hitter C.J. Kayfus are both left-handed hitters. Hoskins provides a right-handed bat at first base and DH, which enhances the team’s lineup balance.
Although last season saw Hoskins produce stronger against left-handed pitching than right-handed — a reversal of his usual split — he has a career wRC+ of 137 against southpaws, which would be a notable improvement over Manzardo’s 83 and Kayfus’s 67 against lefties last year. This platoon role suits Cleveland’s immediate needs while leaving room for Hoskins to expand his role.
Potential for Hoskins to Reclaim Everyday Playing Time and Impact
While Hoskins may initially be slotted into a platoon position, he has the ability to earn more regular playing time. Kayfus, a rookie, managed a wRC+ of just 96 in 44 games last season, and Hoskins has proven success hitting right-handed pitching with a career wRC+ of 115, including 111 in 2024. Cleveland’s veteran slugger could provide a key right-handed power bat to complement emerging young stars like Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan.
If Hoskins can stay healthy and regain the form that established him as a middle-of-the-order presence in Philadelphia, he may become a central contributor in the Guardians’ lineup. This opportunity offers a chance for him to bounce back after recent seasons hampered by injury and inconsistency.
Source: Once finalized, the Guardians’ deal with Hoskins would be a minor-league contract that pays him a base salary of $1.5M should he make the major-league roster. https://t.co/fhmqq9NZ6Q
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 22, 2026
