The Brewers have reportedly added Rhys Hoskins on a two-year deal, in a move that should make the NL Central race very interesting heading into 2024. And if Hoskins can look like his 2022 form, the Brewers may have just filled a big hole on their roster.
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A Look at Hoskins
Had Rhys Hoskins not torn his left ACL this past spring, the market would have likely been better for the veteran first baseman. While it’s been tough this winter for talented, yet inconsistent performers, Hoskins has been a steady hand throughout his MLB career.
From a tools standpoint, the 30-year-old is a standout hitter. From a leg kick that helps with timing to a short stroke that’s allowed Hoskins to mash fastballs, the new Brewer has ranked above-average in Barrel% in every year of his career and Hard Hit% in each season aside from 2019.
His approach and skillset have helped Hoskins post four 27+ home run campaigns and three in which he’s hit at least 60 extra-base hits. He might not receive the attention that Matt Olson or Freddie Freeman do but Hoskins is among the game’s best at first when healthy.
But one of the main reasons why Hoskins fits so well with an analytically-driven team like the Brewers is his chase tendencies. Hoskins has consistently ranked above average in this regard and that’s allowed him to net BB% north of 10% in each of his six pro seasons.
Hoskins likely won’t be a #1 or #2 hitter with the Brewers, thanks to the presence of bats like Sal Frelick and Christian Yelich. But, Hoskins can keep the ball rolling even if he doesn’t get a hold of one at the plate.
We rated Hoskins as the third-best hitter in free agency this winter.
How Hoskins Fits with the Brewers
The addition of Hoskins keeps the Brewers’ long-term payroll clean, as the deal is for two years and includes an opt-out after 2024. It would make sense for Hoskins to opt out with a strong year, although he likely won’t be the top first baseman on the market assuming Pete Alonso goes to market.
Still, Hoskins’ power and ability to get on base will make him an attractive target.
As for the Brewers, the team did have some power hitters, including William Contreras and Willy Adames. However, Milwaukee’s issues at first were well-known.
The Brewers didn’t retain Rowdy Tellez after a rough 2023 and while Carlos Santana did fine for Milwaukee, Hoskins is a major upgrade.
With the ex-Phillie in tow, the Brwers have at least a decent chance of improving from their 2023 numbers, when Milwaukee posted the 23rd-best team OPS (.705) and the team’s right-handed hitters posted a below-average 93 wRC+. And with standout prospect Jackson Chourio set to join the Brewers in 2024, Milwaukee’s lineup —— which still does have a question mark at third — should be deeper.
And most importantly, the move does boost their chances of competing in 2024 as the Brewers are set to run it back with Corbin Burnes for at least one more go. It won’t be easy given the presence of the Reds and Cardinals. But, the Brewers have a solid rotation, a rotation that performed very well in 2023, and a lineup that looks deeper.