Rhys Hoskins Rumors: The Cubs allegedly consider Hoskins as a “good fit.”
After playing for the Philadelphia Phillies for the first seven years of his career, Rhys Hoskins is currently a free agent. Hoskins’ market is anticipated to be strong given the lack of elite hitters available in free agency, even since he missed the entirety of 2023 due to an ACL tear.
It is unlikely that he will rejoin the Phillies because Bryce Harper has been designated as the team’s starting first baseman going forward. Follow along with all the most recent rumors regarding Hoskins’ unrestricted free agency here.
Sunday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 a.m. ET: According to Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Cubs consider Hoskins to be a “good fit for their roster.”
“With an opening at first base and a need for a middle-of-the-order hitter, the Cubs view Rhys Hoskins as a good fit for their roster, league sources said, seeing it as another opportunity to add an impact player with postseason experience without having to go long on a contract.”
Cody Bellinger is anticipated to sign a contract worth more than $200 million, so Chicago is anticipated to be in the running for his long-term services. Hoskins isn’t exactly a candidate for a comeback, but it sounds like Chicago is interested in signing him to a short-term contract. In 2023, the first basemen for the Cubs combined for a.713 OPS.
Thursday, Nov. 9 at 3:32 p.m. ET: In the most recent episode of “The Baseball Insiders” podcast, MLB insider Robert Murray makes a connection between Hoskins and the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs.
“I think it makes perfect sense for him to sign a one-year contract. In addition, the Cubs seem like a tremendously smart organization that, should they decide not to re-sign Cody Bellinger, could insert a player like Rhys Hoskins in that lineup in his stead. The Toronto Blue Jays are another team that I believe Rhys Hoskins might fit in well with. I’m not sure if they’ve spoken with Scott Boras, his agent, yet, but I believe we’ll be hearing more about that match soon.
Toronto could use a bat because of the availability of Matt Chapman, Brandon Belt, and Whit Merrifield. Hoskins could suit the bill because the team needs a first baseman or designated hitter.
Wednesday, Nov.ย 8 at 5:00 p.m. ET:At the General Managers’ Meetings in Arizona, Dave Dombrowski informs the press that Harper will be the Phillies’ starting first baseman going forward, so terminating Hoskins’ time in Philadelphia. Here’s where you can read more about that.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 11:35 a.m. ET: With regard to Harper’s desire to remain at first base, WIP’s Howard Eskin said the following:
“I realize that Bryce wants to play first base. He will take the field at first base. And Hoskins is eliminated by that. Harper will thus start at first base, Wheeler needs to be signed, and a host of other issues arise. Here, there will be some adjustments.”