Cleveland Guardians Sign First Baseman Hoskins to Minor League Deal to Strengthen Weak Batting Lineup

One of the primary concerns for the Cleveland Guardians during the offseason was how to improve the overall underperforming offense for the 2025 campaign. As the Cactus League spring training begins, the Guardians have made their most important signing of the winter.

According to MLB.com, the Guardians are close to securing a minor league deal with first baseman Rhys Hoskins that comes with a major league spring training invite. The team has not yet officially announced the signing, pending a physical in the coming days. If the 33-year-old veteran makes the Guardians’ opening day roster, the contract is valued at $1.5 million.

Hoskins was seen today in the Guardians’ player development clubhouse in Arizona.

“I’m really excited,” said manager Stephen Vogt today. “Rhys Hoskins has obviously had an impressive career so far. We’re honored he chose us, and we’ll make sure he feels welcomed in spring training.”

“He has the chance to make an impact during spring training and compete for a spot on the roster.”

When assessing ways to strengthen the lineup this offseason, the Guardians prioritized how any move would affect opportunities for their young players. Hoskins’ addition will trigger a chain reaction in the infield configuration, but his past offensive production should raise Cleveland’s baseline at the plate.

During eight seasons with the Phillies and Brewers, Hoskins hit 186 home runs with a slugging percentage of 0.819. He bats right-handed, and there are only four right-handed hitters on the Guardians’ 40-man roster.

“Bringing in a player with veteran presence like him,” Vogt said, “he can help both the young players and the team. We’re looking forward to getting to know Rhys and watching him play.”

Hoskins hit 148 home runs over six seasons with the Phillies, posting a slugging percentage of 0.846 before missing the 2023 season recovering from a torn left ACL. He spent the past two years with the Brewers, where his numbers declined compared to his Philadelphia days but remained above league average.

Hoskins appeared in 221 games for the Brewers, hitting 38 home runs with a slugging percentage of 0.732 and an OPS+ of 102. In 2024, he played 131 games with 26 homers and a slugging of 0.722; in 2025, he appeared in 90 games, hitting 12 homers with a slugging of 0.748 but missed time from July to September due to a right thumb injury. Upon returning, his playing time was limited due to Andrew Vaughn’s emergence at first base in Milwaukee.

Despite limited appearances last season, Hoskins posted strong advanced metrics, including a solid contact rate of 46.4% (a career high), a best-hit-point rate of 39.7% (tying his 2017 career best), and a walk rate of 11.6% (his best since 2020).

It’s easy to envision Hoskins fitting into the heart of the Guardians’ lineup. Cleveland will need to clarify how his presence affects other players’ defensive positions.

The Guardians’ first base options include Kyle Manzardo, CJ Kayfus, and David Fry. Manzardo gained weight this offseason, with the team hoping he’s physically ready to handle playing first base four to five days a week. Kayfus can play both first base and right field, while Fry serves as the third catcher and provides right-handed depth during spring training.

Hoskins is expected to serve as a right-handed complement to Manzardo at first base and designated hitter. This may result in Kayfus starting the season in Triple-A Columbus as the third-string first baseman. The Guardians also have many left-handed outfield options, such as Steven Kwan, Nolan Jones, George Valera, and Chase DeLauter.

Balancing the lineup with right-handed or switch-hitters makes sense, with candidates including Angel Martínez, Johnathan Rodríguez, or non-roster invitee Stuart Fairchild.

The competition among Guardians’ position players in spring training was already intense, and Hoskins’ arrival will only increase the stakes.

“We welcome any competition,” Vogt said. “Good teams always have competition in spring training. Whether it affects the outfield, infield, or other positions, we’re excited to have Rhys join us.”

“This adds a new dimension to our team and could become another weapon for us.”