Rhys Hoskins became the Milwaukee Brewers primary first baseman in his first year back from ACL surgery. Now, Hoskins has exercised his $18 million player option for 2025, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. Doing so prevents Hoskins from taking a $4 million buyout and again become a free agent.
Hoskins, 31, could have netted a multi-year deal on the open market. However, it’s unlikely he would have been able to top his $18 million salary and his batting .214/.303/.419 with 26 home runs across 131 games for the Brewers. He should continue to be Milwaukee’s primary first baseman again next year, with some starts at designated hitter mixed in.
Rhys Hoskins Exercises Player Option for 2025
Hoskins signed a two-year deal that guaranteed him $34 million in January after missing the 2023 season due to a torn ACL sustained while fielding a grounder in a spring training game with the Philadelphia Phillies. The contract allowed him to opt out after the first year as Hoskins would return to form following his season-ending surgery. It also gives the Brewers one more year of Hoskins in the middle-of-the-order. The deal includes an $18 million option for 2026 with a $4 million buyout.
Since his major league debut in August 2017 through 2022, Hoskins ranked among the National League’s top performers in several key categories. He finished fourth in home runs (148), RBI (405), and extra-base hits (304), fifth in walks (388), seventh in total bases (1,195), and eighth in doubles (149).
Hoskin’s decision on Friday came a day after the Brewers declinded left-hander Wade Miley‘s $12 million mutual option on Thursday. It was an expected outcome that gave the veteran a $1.5 million buyout and made him a free agent. Miley’s season was limited to two starts before his left elbow gave out and underwent a hybrid Tommy John procedure in May. Initially, Miley deferred a decision about whether he would continue pitching, but buy the end of the season, he was leaning toward a comeback.
Main Photo: © Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
