The Cleveland Guardians are adding first baseman Rhys Hoskins to their roster as the team looks to increase its offensive depth. Although the club has not officially announced the move, MLB.com’s Guardians reporter Tim Stebbins confirmed that Hoskins is already in the clubhouse with a locker assigned to him. According to Zack Meisel from The Athletic, the former Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers slugger has signed a minor league contract, with the potential to earn $1.5 million if he secures a spot on the major league roster out of spring training.
Hoskins’ free agency went largely unnoticed until this signing, making Cleveland’s acquisition somewhat unexpected since the Guardians typically do not pursue semi-high-profile players in this manner.
Profile of Hoskins’ Career and Recent Performance
At 32 years old, Rhys Hoskins brings significant power to Cleveland’s lineup with 186 career home runs. While his 2025 season was limited to just 90 games, he still managed to hit 12 home runs and recorded an OPS+ of 108 across 279 at-bats. Hoskins has five seasons with 25 or more home runs, including a standout 34-homer campaign in 2018 with the Phillies and another 30-home run season in 2022.
However, his recent durability has been a concern. Hoskins missed the entire 2023 season due to injury, and although he hit 26 home runs in 2024, his overall contribution was below average as indicated by a negative bWAR. Initially, Hoskins spent the first six years of his career with Philadelphia before signing a two-year deal with Milwaukee. He is well-remembered by Phillies fans for key home runs during their run to the 2022 World Series.
In Cleveland, the Guardians currently have Kyle Manzardo and CJ Kayfus as potential first base options. Should Hoskins demonstrate full health, it is likely he will take on the designated hitter role to maximize his offensive impact.
Implications of Hoskins’ Arrival for the Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are already considered frontrunners to win the AL Central, even before adding notable new players. Bringing in a power hitter like Rhys Hoskins could strengthen the team’s lineup by adding another threat to opposing pitchers. Jose Ramirez remains the centerpiece of Cleveland’s offense, supported by solid contributors who have the potential to grow this season.
Kyle Manzardo is anticipated to make a significant leap, possibly turning into a 30-home run hitter, while Steven Kwan has shown consistent hitting ability. Additionally, Nolan Jones and Bo Naylor are expected to progress offensively, providing further depth.
Coupled with a robust pitching staff and experienced coaching, the Guardians appear well-positioned to compete for yet another division title in an increasingly competitive league.
Rhys Hoskins is in the Guardians’ clubhouse and has a locker.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) February 22, 2026
