Seattle Mariners Reportedly Interested in Free Agent Slugger Rhys Hoskins
The Seattle Mariners have shown interest in free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Saturday afternoon.
The longtime Philadelphia Phillies slugger is one of several power hitters the Mariners have checked in on, per Morosi.
Seattle shed roughly $50 million from their payroll earlier this offseason, withholding a qualifying offer from outfielder Teoscar Hernández, trading third baseman Eugenio Suárez to the Arizona Diamondbacks and sending Jarred Kelenic, Evan White and Marco Gonzales to the Atlanta Braves.
As a result, the Mariners have been pegged as a dark horse contender for Cody Bellinger – presumably the most expensive batter left on the open market. If Seattle's front office decides not to go all-in on Bellinger, however, Hoskins looks like another potential fit.
According to Spotrac, Hoskins' market value suggests he is in line for a four-year, $84 million contract.
Hoskins did not play in 2023 due to a torn ACL he suffered in March.
After splitting time between first base and left field for his first few MLB seasons, Hoskins served as the Phillies' primary first baseman from 2018 through 2022 postseason. Hoskins racked up 148 home runs, 405 RBI and an 11.1 WAR during his time in Philadelphia.
The soon-to-be 31-year-old is a .242 hitter for his career, and he boasts an .846 OPS on top of that.
In his last season before getting hurt, Hoskins hit 30 home runs with 79 RBI in 156 appearances.
The Washington Nationals were another team tied to Hoskins this offseason.
Ty France, who made the All-Star Game in 2022, is set to be the Mariners' starting first baseman in 2024. The designated hitter spot is still unfilled, though, with Seattle non-tendering Mike Ford in November.
Hoskins would give the Mariners another righty to slot into the lineup alongside France and Julio Rodríguez, while also giving the team an option to spell France at first base.
Seattle was also one of several teams that showed interest in Josh Naylor at the Winter Meetings.
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