Heading into the 2023 offseason it was made clear by Manager Davey Martinez that the Nationals would be on the lookout for a slugging first baseman. The year is 2024, and the only acquisition made for that position was a minor league flyer in former Cardinal prospect Juan Yepez. Not exactly the most inspiring move. If the Nationals are not settling with that, former Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins would be the perfect fit, not only for the team but for the slugger as well.
The Nationals have interest in 1B Rhys Hoskins per Andy McCullough pic.twitter.com/vf6DdKVIMs
— Kev (@OnePursuitTakes) November 25, 2023
Former 5th-round pick Rhys Hoskins made his major league debut in 2017 at the age of 24 and has been a key player in the Phillies’ success since then. The now 30-year-old corner infielder is looking for a new home for the first time in his career. I think Hoskins coming a few states down to his former division rival would be the perfect choice for him. Hoskins needs the time to prove he is healthy in search of a long-term payday and the Nationals are hoping to improve upon a surprisingly good season last year. Rhys Hoskins signing with the Nationals would give fans a glimmer of hope that the ownership group is at least trying to compete. Hoskins is a well-known, powerful, veteran player who would bring a negative fan base a bit of positivity. Hoskins also fits the first baseman need that Dave Martinez told the press the Nationals were going after.
There are plenty of benefits for both sides:
Nationals Benefits:
- Powerful 1st baseman on short-term deal
- Good will amongst the fanbase
- Can flip Hoskins at the deadline for controllable assets
- Veteran Leadership in addition to quality play
- Everyday option at First Base
- Strengthens entire lineup by adding power
Rhys Hoskins Benefits:
- 16-Million dollar “prove it” deal
- Warm reception from the fanbase
- Leadership role with high playing time
- Can be traded to contender at deadline
- Poised for long-term deal next offseason with strong performance
- Face former team 17 times a season
Over his 6-year playing career, Hoskins has a .242 average with 148 homers and a .845 OPS. As many already know, Hoskins did not play in 2023 due to a knee ligament tear. Most players who enter free agency enter a “prove it” year with their new team to see if they are worth big money, as Cody Bellinger and Jeimer Candelario did in 2023. Hoskins would sign a 1-2-year deal worth approximately 16 million a year if he came to the Nation’s Capital, which is a good deal for Hoskins’ case. If Hoskins performs well, Hoskins would more than likely be traded at the 2024 deadline, which would put Hoskins on a World Series-caliber team and give the Nationals some more sleeper prospects for the long run. The Nationals did this in 2023 when they traded Jeimer Candelario to the Cubs for LHP DJ Herz, who has been lights out in Double-AA since arriving in the organization. The Nats would be doing the same by bringing in the former Phillie and this is a strategy they should actively be implementing after how well it worked out last season with Candelario.
There are rumors of Hoskins going to the Cubs, Marlins, and other playoff caliber teams in 2024, but the Nationals have been spoken of as a possibility, and I believe that Rhys Hoskins and the Nationals would both benefit from a 2024 pairing.