First baseman Rhys Hoskins is being considered by the Seattle Mariners, said MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, following his absence from the Philadelphia Phillies’ season.
Philadelphia Phillies, a team based in Seattle,
First baseman Rhys Hoskins is a free agent, and the Seattle Mariners are interested in him, according to a report from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi on Saturday afternoon.
According to Morosi, the Mariners have looked into a number of power hitters, including the veteran Phillies slugger.
Earlier in the offseason, Seattle cut over $50 million from their payroll by moving third baseman Eugenio Suárez to the Arizona Diamondbacks, withholding a qualifying offer from outfielder Teddy Hernández, and sending Jarred Kelenic, Evan White, and Marco Gonzales to the Atlanta Braves.
The Mariners are now considered a dark horse candidate to sign Cody Bellinger, who is likely the most expensive hitter available. But if Seattle’s front management decides against going all in on Bellinger, Hoskins appears to be another viable option.
Hoskins’ market worth indicates that he should be able to get a four-year, $84 million contract, according to Spotrac.
Hoskins sustained an ACL tear in March of 2023, which prevented him from playing.
Hoskins played his first three MLB seasons alternating between first base and left field. He was the starting first baseman for the Phillies from the 2018 through the 2022 postseason. While in Philadelphia, Hoskins amassed 148 home runs, 405 RBI, and an 11.1 WAR.
The soon-to-be 31-year-old has a career batting average of.242 and an OPS of.846.
Before suffering an injury, Hoskins played in 156 games and hit 30 home runs with 79 RBI in his previous season.
This summer, another team connected to Hoskins was the Washington Nationals.
In 2024, Ty France—who was selected for the All-Star Game in 2022—is expected to start at first base for the Mariners. Seattle did not tender Mike Ford in November, therefore the designated hitter position remains empty.
In addition to providing Julio Rodríguez and France with another righty to complement them in the lineup, Hoskins would allow the Mariners to use Julio Rodríguez at first base.
At the Winter Meetings, Josh Naylor piqued the curiosity of multiple organizations, including Seattle.
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