Ex-Phillies Slugger Linked to Division Rivals in Free Agency
Ex-Phillies Slugger Is Associated With Free Agency Rivals in His Division
The Philadelphia Phillies could see one of their former sluggers playing for a division rival after he’s been linked to that team in free agency.
The writing was on the wall that Rhys Hoskins might not be with the Philadelphia Phillies after 2023 after Bryce Harper moved to first base and performed at a high level there.
Hoskins suffered an ACL tear during spring training that kept him from playing in a single game last season, and he was set to become a free agent in 2024.
It reduced the value of his marketable skills. Because of that, there was a possibility that the Phillies could be able to re-sign him to a team-friendly contract.
Dave Dombrowski did, however, declare that Harper will start at first base for Philadelphia moving forward. He stated Hoskins accepted the decision well and understood it.
For that reason, Andy McCullough of The Athletic projects that Hoskins will join the Phillies’ division foe Washington Nationals in the upcoming season, even if the former slugger is likely to wear a different uniform.
The Nationals are in an excellent position to give Hoskins a cushion contract in 2024 if he can show that he is healthy and ready to make a comeback. In order to give its young squad some stability, the team could potentially benefit from a veteran,” he writes.
It makes sense for both parties.
Hoskins needs to have playing time to increase his value going forward and the Nationals would like to get more talent onto their roster.
He has a career slash line of .242/.353/.492 across his six seasons in the MLB. He’s hit 148 home runs and 405 RBI.
With the Phillies expected to let Hoskins walk, they might have to see their second-longest tenured player suit up for their division rivals in Washington.
