MLB Insider Links Padres to 2022 NLCS Breakout Player in Free Agency
After a frustrating 2023 season, the San Diego Padres enter the offseason looking to get themselves back into position contention. The team saw some weird trends during the year, especially on offense, and they want to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.
The Padres are being linked with a player who broke onto the scene last postseason against them, so they got a close look at him. That would be first baseman Rhys Hoskins, and MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes that he would be a good fit in San Diego.
“Rhys Hoskins was an integral part of the Phillies winning the NL championship last year, as he hit 30 home runs and posted a .794 OPS. He’s improved a lot defensively at first base but is still a below-average defender. He missed the 2023 season after tearing his left ACL in spring training and was working his way back with hopes of a comeback if the Phillies advanced to the World Series; alas, it wasn’t to be. However, his 25- to 30-home run power and on-base skills will make Hoskins a marketable free agent.”
Hoskins dominated the Padres in the NLCS last season, and it could see him coming over to the team in 2024. He missed the 2023 after tearing his ACL, but he will be a hot commodity on the free agent market.
He could be just what the Padres were missing this past season, and he would provide a solid bat to their lineup. Hoskins always has a fire about him when he plays, which is something that the Padres could use as well.
San Diego has wanted to build a more well-rounded roster for this coming year, and this could be the first step in doing so. He could sign a one-year deal to improve his stock around the league, to then re-enter free agency next offseason to get a bag.
It could be a true win-win for both sides, and the Padres should heavily entertain the idea of bringing him in. The Friars have a need here, and Hoskins would fit in well alongside the other stars in their lineup for next season.