It was announced Tuesday night that the Milwaukee Brewers have signed former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins to a two-year, $34 million contract.
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The announcement — which was first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan — notes that the contract includes an opt-out after the first season, which makes the Brewers' lineup look a lot more potent heading into 2024.
BREAKING: First baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2024
While Hoskins missed the entire 2023 regular season due to a torn ACL that he suffered during spring training, the 30-year-old has been one of baseball's top sluggers for the last half-decade, averaging 34 home runs per 162 games from 2018-2022.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Hoskins has been also beloved by his Phillies teammates and the entire city of Philadelphia because of his charismatic nature and leadership ability.
Even though he's now playing for another NL team, Hoskins will forever be considered a Phillies legend after his iconic bat spike upon launching a three-run homer during Game 3 of the 2022 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves. Just by watching that video, it's clear that Hoskins was a favorite among Phillies fans and players alike.
Never forget Rhys Hoskins' bat spike ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/LohixU6ZHS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 24, 2024
Yet, after the Phillies announced their decision to make Bryce Harper a full-time first baseman for the foreseeable future, it became clear that there was no space in the infield any longer for Hoskins — who had been the Phillies' everyday first baseman before his ACL injury.
Now, Hoskins will be moving on to Milwaukee, where he should be slotted somewhere in the middle of the reigning NL Central champions' lineup come opening day.
The signing makes a ton of sense for Milwaukee, which has made it to the postseason five of the last six years largely because of elite pitching. However, now having Hoskins on board — along with returning William Contreras, Christian Yelich and Willy Adames to the lineup — should bolster the Brewers' roster enough to make them more of a true World Series contender.
Not to mention that Hoskins has hit for a whopping .342 with five home runs and eight RBIs in his nine career games at the Brewers' Miller Park.
The Brewers won't be playing the Phillies in Philadelphia until June 3. When that day arrives, we can expect to see the Phillies faithful serenade Hoskins with a well-deserved standing ovation.
