Cubs Linked To Former Phillies First Baseman As Free Agency Fit

The Chicago Cubs look at first base as a potential area of upgrade this offseason.

Cody Bellinger, who can play that position along with outfield, is on the free-agent market and with every passing day is more and more unlikely to return. The Cubs have made noise about allowing Christopher Morel to try the position out in Spring Training. While his bat is a fit, it’s unclear if his glove is a fit.

There are trade winds regarding New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso. And, of course, it seems unlikely the Cubs would make a big move until they know for certain how their pursuit of free-agent superstar Shohei Ohtani will end.

Which is why, when The Athletic sought to find a free-agent fit for each team in a recent article by former GM Jim Bowden, he sought to help the Cubs solve their first-base problem — for at least one season — with a player that needs a place to land after missing all of 2023 with an injury.

To Bowden, that’s why a one-year deal worth $15 million for former Philadelphia first baseman Rhys Hoskins makes sense:

Hoskins, who has slugged .492 in his career, would provide middle-of-the-order power. He was an integral part of the Phillies winning the National League pennant in 2022, when he hit 30 home runs and posted a .794 OPS. He’s improved defensively at first base but is still a below-average defender. He missed the 2023 season after tearing his ACL in spring training, a huge setback in his free-agent year. However, his legitimate 25 to 30 home run power would play well at Wrigley Field.

Recently, the Philadelphia Phillies determined that Bryce Harper will be their first baseman in 2024, opening up the market for Hoskins.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer spoke at the GM meetings about a theoretical contract for Hoskins that could serve as a “pillow contract” and said that Hoskins’ “pieces fit all teams puzzles.”

Hoskins is a career .242 hitter who consistently hits anywhere from 20 to 30 home runs per season and is able to draw walks effectively. A deal like the one Bellinger just opted out of — a two-year deal with a mutual option — would give Hoskins a chance to prove he’s healthy and has recaptured his previous form — and a chance to test free agency again in 2025.