Former Phillies' First Baseman Regarded as Best Available at Position

After Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL in Spring Training of 2023, there wasn't much the Philadelphia Phillies could do. Unfortunately, it was an obvious ending to a great relationship. When Bryce Harper returned from Tommy John earlier than expected and played first base, there was nowhere for Hoskins to play.

Still, Hoskins was a favorite among Phillies fans and will be missed. He has multiple suitors in free agency and will get a chance to prove to the team he signs with that he can still be a power-hitting option who can hit 30-plus home runs.

In fact, there's an argument that he might be the best available power hitter left on the market when healthy. The Athletic released their all-free-agent team and Hoskins got the nod at first base. Chad Jennings notes the injury, but states that he's still an everyday option at first base.

The 30-year-old Hoskins is a pure power bat. He's been a 120-plus OPS+ hitter most of his career, including a career 125 OPS+. There are certainly questions about what he's going to look like post-operation, but the bat always played at the highest of levels.

With a good chance of signing a cheaper deal, the most notable suitors have been the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners. The Cubs need a first baseman, especially if Bellinger walks, or if Pete Crow-Armstrong plays in 2024.

For the Mariners, they're likely going to lose Teoscar Hernandez in free agency. Hoskins would be the perfect fit for either team as they look to add power to decent lineups.