The Milwaukee Brewers were in town over the weekend, which brought back nostalgic feelings toward the Philadelphia Phillies’ former first baseman. Rhys Hoskins was a fan favorite during his tenure in the City of Brotherly Love and will always hold a special place in their hearts.
The Phillies decided to let Hoskins walk in free agency after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in spring training in 2023. Bryce Harper made the full-time move from right field to first base after he returned from Tommy John surgery in Hoskins’ absence. He’s turned into an above-average first baseman and will likely remain at the position for the rest of his career, barring something unexpected.
Although the idea of Hoskins donning the red pinstripes and playing his home games at Citizens Bank Park again is fun, it’s not the right move for the future of the Phillies.
The Phillies shouldn’t even think about trading for Rhys Hoskins
Hoskins signed a two-year contract with the Brewers and will be a free agent after this season. His offensive numbers were down in 2024 from years past, but he still displayed his power at the plate with 26 home runs and 82 RBIs.
The Phillies and their fans saw firsthand that the 32-year-old still has some juice left in the tank. Hoskins went just 2-for-15 at the plate during the series against the Phillies, but he hit two three-run home runs off Jesús Luzardo in Saturday’s blowout. The Brewers went on to sweep the Phillies three games to none.
Hoskins not only had success against the Phillies, but he’s off to an impressive start in 2025. He’s slashing .270/.367/.465 with a .832 OPS, nine doubles, nine home runs and 35 RBIs. He’s producing with his bat and has good plate discipline with a 12.8 walk percentage.
Like many Phillies fans fantasized in their heads while the Brewers were in town, the Good Phight’s Ethan White proposed the idea of acquiring Hoskins at the trade deadline and moving Harper to left field.
Moving Bryce Harper back to the outfield doesn't make any sense
Harper has stated in the past that he would make the move back to the outfield if the Phillies could acquire an impact player at first base, but Hoskins isn’t the player to do it for. Although Hoskins would be top three on the Phillies in home runs, RBI, walks, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS, the Phillies would be better off without him.
The Phillies recently had a scare when Harper was hit in his surgically repaired right elbow by a 95 mph fastball, which caused him to miss a week. It wouldn’t make sense to have the risk of him injuring that elbow and missing any significant time while playing in the outfield rather than at first base.
The Phillies’ left field platoon of Max Kepler, Weston Wilson and Brandon Marsh hasn’t worked out as expected, so having Harper out there would solve a problem. However, the team is paying Kepler $10 million, and he’s performed well this year from a defensive standpoint.
Would a Hoskins reunion be fun, and could he help this team win games? Yes, but the Phillies shouldn’t make the move and risk any harm to Harper or part with prospects to acquire Hoskins for a few months. Not to mention, the Brewers are playoff contenders and likely wouldn’t part with their starting first baseman.