Rhys Hoskins, formerly a first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, has agreed to a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians as of February 2026. This move marks a notable shift for the player, who joins the American League Central team with hopes of proving his value during spring training. The deal does not guarantee Hoskins a spot on the Guardians’ 40-man roster but presents an opportunity for him to compete for a major league position this season.
Hoskins’ arrival was confirmed by reporter Zack Meisel of The Athletic, who shared,
“Rhys Hoskins is in the Guardians’ clubhouse. He’s in Guardians gear, too. This isn’t just a random visit.”
This indicates the seriousness of his intent to earn a spot with Cleveland, where his potential offensive contributions could bolster a lineup in need of power.
Hoskins’ Struggles and Highlights During Milwaukee Tenure
Hoskins joined the Brewers just over two years ago after signing a two-year, $34 million contract, becoming the second-highest-paid player on the team behind only Christian Yelich. Milwaukee pursued Hoskins to resolve instability at first base, banking on his proven offensive track record. However, his time with the Brewers was marked by mixed results and injury challenges.
In the 2024 season, Hoskins hit 26 home runs but saw career lows in batting average and on-base percentage, alongside a negative defensive value that culminated in a -0.2 wins above replacement. Despite this, he opted to extend his contract into 2025 and started that season strong.
The first two months of 2025 were a resurgence for Hoskins, as he posted impressive OPS marks of .860 in April and .876 in May. He delivered nine home runs and 35 RBIs during that stretch, temporarily positioning himself as the centerpiece of a struggling Brewers offense. Unfortunately, his success was interrupted in July when he sprained his left thumb during a play at first base, leading to his placement on the injured list. His role diminished as Andrew Vaughn took over first base duties and performed exceptionally, securing Hoskins’ exclusion from the playoff roster.
Transition to Cleveland and Prospects for the Upcoming Season
Entering the offseason, few anticipated Hoskins would remain without a major league offer. His free agency period extended into February, and it appeared he was seeking a multi-year deal. Ultimately, Cleveland’s minor league offer provides a chance for Hoskins to prove his worth in a new environment that could benefit from his power hitting.
Given his performance during the start of the 2025 season and his experience as a veteran leader, Hoskins could fill an important role for the Guardians. If he recaptures his form, he may significantly strengthen Cleveland’s lineup, which aligns well with the team’s competitive ambitions in the AL Central. The minor league contract features a salary of $1.5 million if Hoskins makes the major league roster, making this a calculated, low-risk move for the Guardians.
While Hoskins’ Milwaukee years included injury setbacks—both from his prior ACL rehabilitation and the thumb injury last season—his contributions helped the Brewers clinch the NL Central title twice. As he embarks on this new chapter with Cleveland, his experience and power-hitting potential represent valuable assets for the Guardians’ roster.
Rhys Hoskins is in the Guardians’ clubhouse. He’s in Guardians gear, too. This isn’t just a random visit.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 22, 2026
