Former Phillies Slugger Finalizing Contract With Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a deal to sign a former Philadelphia Phillies power hitter.

The Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million contract with former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins. The contract has an opt-out after the first season, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

After tearing his ACL in Spring Training before the 2023 season, it's a bit surprising to see Hoskins get over $30 million. When he's healthy, Hoskins is one of the best power hitters in baseball.

The question, however, is if he's healthy heading into this season.

During his six years with Philadelphia, he hit 148 home runs and slashed .242/.353/.492. When the right-handed hitter played over 100 games, he hit at least 27 home runs. He's a legitimate power bat that can post 30-plus home runs in any season.

Reports in the earlier stages of the offseason had indicated that the Chicago Cubs were the favorites to land Hoskins.

Instead, he ends up with their rivals.

It was time for the Phillies to move on from the 30-year-old, unfortunately. With his injury and Bryce Harper returning from his injury earlier than expected to transition to first base, there wasn't anywhere for Hoskins to play. Dave Dombrowski made it known early in the offseason that the team didn't expect to bring him back.

Hoskins could have returned as a potential designated hitter, but $34 million for a DH coming off an ACL tear would've been a questionable move from Dombrowski, no matter the history the slugger has with the franchise.

Hoskins will be missed in Philadelphia for everything that he helped the team accomplish. While it ended much differently than anyone had ever hoped for, he gave the city some awesome moments.