Rhys Hoskins
2022 Stats: .246/.332/.462, 30 HR, 79 RBI, 123 OPS+
A popular player on many fans' wishlists, Rhys Hoskins fits the exact mold of what the Nationals SHOULD be doing: targeting high upside players who are seeking prove-it deals due to down performance or, in Hoskins' case, injury.
Hoskins tore his ACL at the tail end of Spring Training prior to the 2023 season and nearly returned for the Phillies playoff push last month. That is just to say that whoever signs him will be getting a fully healthy Hoskins, who now has about 4 more months to rest and rehabilitate prior to the 2024 campaign.
Hoskins won't hit for a high average or wow you defensively, but he does add what the Nationals' lineup needs the most: power. The threat of a 30 home run bat in the Nationals lineup is exactly what the team needs to take their offense to the next level. Hoskins was also at his best in high leverage situations, something that will support the Nationals' ability to get on base. And better yet, if the Nationals do not take the step forward in 2024 as hoped, Hoskins will retain significant trade interest at the deadline.
For the Nationals, they could probably acquire Hoskins for a deal similar to the Qualifying Offer, around $20M for one year.
Projected AAV per Spotrac: $21M