Rhys Hoskins has officially agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians as of Sunday, after the Philadelphia Phillies decided against reuniting with the slugger, according to MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins. If Hoskins earns a spot on the Guardians’ Opening Day roster, he will earn a base salary of $1.5 million. This move marks the end of hopes for a Phillies reunion with the 32-year-old hitter, who was highly regarded by fans during his tenure in Philadelphia.
Behind the Scenes: Phillies’ Reluctance to Rekindle Partnership with Hoskins
The rejection from the Phillies surprised many, especially given the interest from key clubhouse figures like Bryce Harper, who enthusiastically supported bringing Hoskins back to Philadelphia. Hoskins himself was eager for another shot at competing in the World Series alongside his former teammates. Despite this mutual positive outlook, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski firmly declined opportunities to restore the partnership, ultimately prompting Hoskins to sign with Cleveland.
Hoskins’ Career and Recent Performance Leading to Free Agency
During his Phillies career, Hoskins was a significant offensive force, tallying a .242 batting average and an .846 OPS across 667 games, including 148 home runs and 405 RBIs. His contributions helped the Phillies sustain a postseason streak starting in 2022. However, his performance waned after leaving Philadelphia. In 2025, Hoskins endured one of his weakest seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a .237 average and a .748 OPS in 90 games, while wrestling with a right thumb injury that sidelined him for two months. Reduced playing time followed as Andrew Vaughn took over his role, limiting Hoskins to just 10 plate appearances with only one hit and one RBI late in the season. He was subsequently omitted from the Brewers’ postseason roster and saw his mutual option declined, which made him a free agent.
New Opportunities and Unanswered Questions for Hoskins and Phillies
By signing with the Guardians, Hoskins aims to rejuvenate his major league career and move beyond his disappointing 2025 season. Meanwhile, Phillies fans are left questioning the front office’s refusal to offer Hoskins even a minor league deal, especially given Cleveland’s willingness to take that chance. This decision may weigh heavily on Philadelphia’s fortunes if Hoskins finds renewed success in Cleveland, turning down the opportunity could prove costly for the Phillies going forward.
Hoskins' contract would be a Minor League deal worth a base salary of $1.5 million if he makes the Guardians' Opening Day roster, a source said. https://t.co/l1Od5QE5CO
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) February 22, 2026
