Hoskins Will Have Great Chance To Secure Big Payday With Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have an opportunity to lock Rhys Hoskins down after his free agency begins following the 2023 season. The question is, will they?

Rhys Hoskins’ production was one of the biggest reasons why the Philadelphia Phillies came within two wins of a World Series title.

His limitations defensively also had the fans concerned throughout the postseason.

Still, if the Phillies hope to make another deep playoff run, they’ll need an even bigger season from Hoskins.

Especially with Bryce Harper out until likely mid-July while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Hoskins will be a free agent after the 2023 season.

One of the more polarizing players in franchise history, it’s natural to wonder if the Phillies should extend Hoskins for multiple years and in excess of $100 million.

Hoskins hit .246 with 30 home runs and 79 RBI in the regular season. He added six homers and 12 RBI in 17 postseason games.

On the flip side, there were 12 errors in the regular season and some costly miscues and mental mistakes in the playoffs.

If manager Rob Thomson is inclined, he can decide to insert Hoskins as the designated hitter for a number of games while Harper is out.

That won’t fully solve the problem.

Ultimately, Thomson has to decide whether Hoskins is the longterm solution at first base.

Hoskins improved defensively but he also made some head-scratching errors.

If the Phillies believe Hoskins can improve enough, he’ll be playing in Citizens Bank Park for years to come.

The offensive numbers will be there. Yes, Hoskins is streaky, but so what? By the end of the season, he’ll have 25-to-30 home runs and 75-to-85 RBI. Those numbers could even move higher.

Unlike Aaron Nola where it’s a no-brainer to extend him, this situation seems different. It’s not going to be an easy decision.

With a strong season, Hoskins will be able to answer this question one way or the other.

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