The Philadelphia Phillies have needed a change offensively. Despite all the winning during the regular seasons in this championship window, they have folded come postseason time, and it has largely been the fault of the bats going cold. A lot of the players know they need to be better, while others, like star first baseman Bryce Harper, try to cultivate it themselves. Harper also has a particular fan favorite addition in mind: Rhys Hoskins. Unfortunately, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski isn't exactly keen on the idea.
According to Devan Kaney of 94WIP, Harper pushed Dombrowski to look into a reunion with the former Phillies first baseman. Hoskins was with the Phillies from 2017 to 2023 and was their everyday first baseman, including their World Series run in 2022. He was injured all of 2023 but still left in free agency to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers. He's now a free agent once again heading into 2026.
Phillies deny Bryce Harper and the fans the reunion of a lifetime with Rhys Hoskins
Harper isn't always the most vocal leader in the clubhouse, but his voice has carried when it comes to the front office. He senses the Phillies could use another right-handed power bat, and Hoskins is still an option with the season right around the corner.
Sources tell me Bryce Harper has been advocating for more right handed power and someone who could give the Phillies more emotional edge/swagger. I’m told Harper suggested Dave Dombrowski look into a reunion with Rhys Hoskins who remains a free agent.
— Devan Kaney (@Devan_Kaney) February 20, 2026
I’m told Hoskins is game…
Sources also told Kaney that Hoskins is on board with coming back to Philadelphia if the franchise is willing to make a deal. Dombrowski reportedly kicked the idea around but ultimately decided that Hoskins wasn't a fit for the club. This also all seemingly took place within the last week, according to Kaney.
Hoskins wasn't a perfect ballplayer in Philadelphia. He had his faults with his high strikeout total and lower batting average, but he provided pop to the Phillies lineup when they needed it. He was also a known charismatic leader in the clubhouse.
In his six seasons with the Phillies, Hoskins hit .242 with an .846 OPS and hit 148 home runs. Hoskins also produced some iconic postseason moments during the 2022 playoff run, like his bat spike off Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider in Game 3 of the NLDS.
It's not exactly known why Dombrowski chose not to bring Hoskins aboard, but it's still an intriguing idea. The Phillies front office may also have shied away from it with a real uncertainty about where he would realistically play on the roster. One of the main reasons why Hoskins was pushed into free agency in the first place was the fact that Harper took over first base after coming back from Tommy John surgery. He got himself comfortable, and the franchise decided to keep Harper there.
The Phillies are just over a month away from Opening Day. Harper could just be saying the quiet part out loud for what he believes the team needs. Perhaps it isn't Hoskins that best fits the club, but it's still notable that the face of the franchise is speaking up the way he is.
Phillies fans know about the issues that remain between Harper and Dombrowski and this could threaten to drive the wedge further. It may also just blow over like nothing happened at all. Either way, the Phillies are doing what they believe is best for the club, and Harper is just trying to give the fans what they want.