The potential landing spots for Rhys Hoskins are starting to reveal themselves. The slugging former Philadelphia Phillies star first baseman had previously generated interest on the free agent market from two known suitors, but now a third has entered the picture.
In a recent story about the Toronto Blue Jays' offseason plans, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith was first to mention Toronto as a possible destination for Hoskins. After losing out on the services of both Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, it seems the Blue Jays are ready to explore secondary options, and Hoskins could be part of that plan.
"Sure, they could rush to get something done today," writes Nicholson-Smith. "And they have some degree of interest in Hoskins, Martinez, Joc Pederson, Justin Turner and Joey Votto, among various others."
Hoskins would certainly add to a formidable Blue Jays lineup that already includes George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With Hoskins coming off a lost 2023 season due to a tear of his left ACL in Spring Training, it will be interesting to see if teams view him as a DH or first baseman in 2024. Fully recovered from surgery and rehabilitation, Hoskins remains a health risk for any team looking for a big bat in free agency.
Hoskins has interest from at least two other teams
If the Blue Jays have a legitimate interest in Hoskins, they aren't alone in what seems like a growing market for the 30-year-old slugger. How soon Hoskins signs could be tied to teams waiting out the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes; maybe a team ready to make a splash will jump in and make it happen sooner rather than later.
For teams looking for middle-of-the-order power, Hoskins' 2022 season numbers are certainly a driver for any club looking for 30 home runs and 79 RBI. As a veteran player coming from a big market club like the Phillies, his postseason experience and leadership skills are intriguing qualities for teams looking for a certain type of player.
The Chicago Cubs were known to have interest in Hoskins as far back as two weeks ago, with Jon Morosi of MLB.com claiming the two sides have discussed deals ranging from one or two-year deals.
Sources: Cubs and Rhys Hoskins’ representatives remain in contact on a possible free-agent deal.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 5, 2023
One year and multiyear contract proposals have been discussed. @MLB @MLBNetwork
More recently, the Seattle Mariners have also been reported to have interest in Hoskins, again per a tweet from Morosi. Could geography play a role in his free agent decision?
Mariners have shown interest in Rhys Hoskins, among other free-agent power hitters.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 16, 2023
Hoskins, 30, was born and raised in Northern California, so geography could help Seattle in this case. @MLBNetwork @MLB
One way or another, Hoskins won't be returning to the Phillies this offseason with Bryce Harper slated to take over the everyday first base job in the 2024 season and beyond. With a current market of three teams and growing, Hoskins is sure to be calling a new ballpark home very soon.