Rhys Hoskins and Phillies Avoid Arbitration
This is the final season ar arbitration eligibility for Phillies First Baseman Rhys Hoskins. Next off season he will finally hit free agency. Where given his agent is Scott Boras he could be in for a nice payday. Even if it is not in Philadelphia. But he will be with the Phillies for at least one more season. And now we know what he will be getting paid. Because Hoskins and the Phillies have avoided going to arbitration, agreeing to a $12 million deal to get him through his final season before free agency.
Sources: Rhys Hoskins, Phillies settle at $12 million, avoiding arbitration.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 13, 2023
Rhys Hoskins hit 36 home runs last season between the regular season and the playoffs. People speculated Rhys could be dangled in a trade this off-season. The Phillies’ need for a pitcher, and Rhys being on his last season of eligibility, made the idea of a trade make sense. But the Phillies managed to load up on pitchers even without moving him. They signed Taijuan Walker to be their 4th starter. And then added Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto, and Matt Strahm, among a few other moves to the bullpen.
Those additions, along with Bryce Harper missing the first half of the season as he recovers from Tommy Johns, made keeping Rhys Hoskins and his power bat make far more sense than trading him. His power is a consistent part of his game. It is the other aspects of the game that has at times frustrated Phillies fans. He is statistically one of the worst fielders at first base. And while the final numbers at the plate always look good, his streakiness can be frustrating as well.
But he will be manning first base for the 2023 season at least. Bryce Harper missing the first couple of months will open up DH. So Rhys can get the occasional day off from the field. And the hope is that Harper can eventually play the field as well. Until then, the Phillies will rely on Rhys Hoskins to provide some of the pop for the lineup.
