Philadelphia Phillies Injured Slugger Wants to Return in Free Agency

Right before the start of the 2023 season, the Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a major blow. Their slugging first baseman, who had one of the most iconic moments in franchise playoff history, was laying on the ground grabbing his knee.

It turns out that Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL and would be sidelined for the entire year, barring a speedy recovery paired with a deep playoff run.

The Phillies immediately felt his absence as the lineup got off to a slow start this season. They've had to adapt knowing they likely wouldn't get Hoskins back at all in 2023.

The timing was also unfortunate for the first baseman, who was set up to receive a big payday in free agency, whether from Philadelphia or another team in the league.

Now, there are questions about whether the 30-year-old will return to the franchise that drafted him.

"With the unknown, comes different thoughts. Different stressors. Whatever you may call them. And that’s just been a little bit different for me this year," Hoskins told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. "I’ve definitely thought about it. I think I’d be lying to you if I said I haven’t."

It's hard not to think about things. An injury like this has massive financial ramifications that weren't thought about before it actually happened.

One thing is for certain though, Hoskins wants to be back with the Phillies.

"I would love to be here. I would be elated to be here. It’s a great place to play," he told Gelb.

It's the only place he's known after being drafted in the fifth round by the organization in 2014. He's also seen the growth that the franchise has had during his tenure in Philadelphia.

"I’m getting to see the benefits of winning and what that atmosphere is like. It’s something to be proud of. I feel like I’ve been a part of that … It’s exceeded that this year — and I haven’t even been on the field. So I can only imagine, you know, being on the field and getting to see that, feel that every night," the slugger said.

The future for Hoskins is unclear. Whether he'll be able to make his return this season or if he'll even return to the franchise next year. Contract negotiations won't happen until the season is complete, so he will become a free agent.

During the remainder of the year, the first baseman will be in the dugout for home games, absorbing as much of the atmosphere as possible.

That, paired with the success of his team, could convince him there's no other team he wants to play for than the Phillies.