The Cleveland Guardians signed free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a minor league deal on Sunday. If he makes the Guardians major league roster, his base salary is reported to be $1.5 million. No doubt, this was the kind of low-risk bargain the Guardians were waiting for. According to reports, Bryce Harper had been advocating for a Hoskins reunion in Philadelphia, but President Dave Dombrowski evidently had other ideas. Good thing if you’re Cleveland.
Source: Once finalized, the Guardians’ deal with Hoskins would be a minor-league contract that pays him a base salary of $1.5M should he make the major-league roster. https://t.co/fhmqq9NZ6Q
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 22, 2026
After missing all of 2023 with a torn ACL, Hoskins signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Brewers. A midseason thumb injury limited him to just 90 games last season, but he still posted a 111 wRC+ and an elite 46% hard-hit rate.
So the question is, why was there no major league deal for a player with Hoskins’ resume? Maybe it was his average defense, recent injuries, or just a free agent market that’s leery of aging hitters. But the answer could be as simple as this: opportunity. Of the teams still looking for a right-handed bat, Cleveland must have offered Hoskins the best shot at regular at-bats and another chance at October baseball.
Why the Guardians Now?
Cleveland’s lineup has been mostly left-handed and light-hitting for years. They’ve tried to fix that with deals for players like Josh Bell, Mike Zunino, and last year Carlos Santana, but none really worked out. What they need is a right-handed bat who can hit lefties and maybe pop 25 home runs. Someone who can also provide some protection for Jose Ramirez in the order. Hoskins could be just that guy.
Even though he turns 33 in March, he checks all the boxes. He’s averaged 34 home runs per 162 games in his career. His career slash line against lefties is .243/.382/.501 with a 137 wRC+. That’s a skillset Cleveland desperately needs if they want to compete in an improved AL Central.
Rhys Hoskins has clearly been a player in decline. The slug & barrels are headed in the wrong direction. However, I’m all for Cleveland adding a RHH w/ a history of pop.
At worst, he’s a depth piece. At best, he spells Manzardo vs LHP. Manzardo batted just .186 vs LHPs in 2025. https://t.co/4YqxNBMTks pic.twitter.com/iYZ5AwWbk7
— Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast (@tablesetterspod) February 22, 2026
Where’s the Fit?
This is where things get interesting. The Guardians 1B/DH mix is crowded, especially with David Fry healthy, CJ Kayfus lurking, and Kyle Manzardo penciled in at first base. Earlier this offseason, President Chris Antonetti said of Manzardo: “He’ll be in the lineup regularly. It will either be at first base or DH, and the more he can play first base, the more options it gives us in how we build the team.” But will Manzardo face every lefty now that Hoskins is here? His splits in 2025 were telling: a .245 batting average against righties, but just .186 against lefties.
According to FanGraphs, a potential lineup versus lefties might look like this:
What About Defense?
Hoskins isn’t here for his glove; it’s average to above-average at best. Last year, Manzardo had a -7 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved), near the bottom for regular first basemen. Hoskins scored a 2 DRS, so it appears he’s got a clear edge with the glove. If Manzardo’s defense doesn’t improve, it could limit him to more of a DH role.
There’s some speculation that Hoskins might play left field since he started his career there, but that ship has likely sailed.
What’s Next?
Spring Training will show us something of what Hoskins has left. He’d really have to struggle not to get a shot out of camp with the Guardians. If he hits, he’ll stick. And if he finds his groove, Cleveland might finally have found the right-handed pop they’ve been looking for.
For now, give credit to the Guardians front office for landing a proven bat at a bargain price. Only time will tell if it’s a match that actually works.
(Top Image Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
