Rhys Hoskins' Phillies Future Was Just Decided
By Tyler Maher
Rhys Hoskins is a free agent this offseason, and while the Philadelphia Phillies would love to have him back, there may not be room for him on the roster.
After missing all of 2023 with a torn ACL, Hoskins can really only play first base or designated hitter. Unfortunately, Kyle Schwarber is already locked in at DH, and Harper moved to first base last year after undergoing modified Tommy John surgery on his elbow.
Would Harper go back to playing the outfield in 2024, or remain at first base? On Wednesday, the Phillies revealed their decision.
Dave Dombrowski said he spoke to Bryce Harper and talked about him playing exclusively first base moving forward. Says that leaves them pretty set in terms of position players. Called Hoskins Sunday to tell him about the decision.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) November 8, 2023
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that he spoke to Harper about playing first base exclusively going forward, leaving no room for Hoskins on the roster. Dombrowski also added that he called Hoskins on Sunday to inform him of the decision.
While that obviously stinks for Hoskins, it's probably the best move for the team. Harper still has eight more years left on his contract, so Philadelphia needs to do everything possible to protect its investment and keep him in the lineup. Harper has already hurt himself playing the outfield on several occasions, so moving him back there would just be too risky, especially now that he's in his 30s.
Harper is also a better player than Hoskins. As a two-time MVP, his bat is more valuable than Hoskins', especially if the latter doesn't go back to being the same hitter he was before the injury.
It's still possible that Hoskins could come back as a bench player, but that seems unlikely. Hoskins has two 30-homer seasons under his belt and deserves the chance to play every day.
Unfortunately, that won't be with Philadelphia.
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