Philadelphia Phillies Linked With Free Agent All-Star First Baseman

The Philadelphia Phillies could use some help at this juncture in the 2023 MLB season. One position that needs addressed is first base.

Sure, Alec Bohm has done an incredible job at holding down the fort in Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall's absence.

But one name linked with the Phillies is former Chicago Cubs first baseman Eric Hosmer. The New York Post's Jon Heyman suggested that Philadelphia would be a good fit. Hosmer was recently released by the Cubs after being DFA'd.

Last week Inside the Phillies suggested a move for Hosmer could be beneficial, for many of the same reasons the New York Post has.

Hall is close to returning, but having extra protection on the bench or Gold Glove play would be helpful.

Hosmer is a four-time Gold Glove winner and was an All-Star in 2016. At 33 years old, he may still have something left in the tank despite sub-par performances at the plate this season.

The report also mentions bringing in Hosmer to help quell the idea of Bryce Harper playing first base. Just seven months removed from Tommy John surgery, is playing the field something the club wants to risk at this juncture?

By bringing in Hosmer the team would likely have to option Kody Clemens. But a deal for Hosmer at a pro-rated league minimum salary is a low-risk deal that could help pay off at the margins.

It's an avenue worth exploring and one that would allow Bohm to move back his natural position of third base while helping keep the rest of the bench fresh.

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