SEATTLE (AP) – The Cleveland Guardians have promoted first baseman Rhys Hoskins from Triple-A Columbus as they finalize their 26-man active roster ahead of their season opener against the Seattle Mariners.
To accommodate Hoskins, the Guardians designated right fielder Johnathan Rodríguez for assignment, marking a significant roster adjustment before the start of the season.
Details of Hoskins’ Contract
Rhys Hoskins, 33, signed a minor league contract with the Guardians in February, which includes a $1.5 million salary contingent upon his presence in the major leagues.
Previously, Hoskins played for the Milwaukee Brewers over the past two seasons, following a six-year tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies. In the last season, he recorded a batting average of .237 with 12 home runs in 279 at-bats, and in 2024, he hit .214 with 26 homers and 82 RBIs.
Spring Training Performance
During spring training, Hoskins demonstrated strong performance, achieving a batting average of .297 along with three home runs, three doubles, and ten RBIs in 37 at-bats.
Manager’s Praise for Hoskins
Manager Stephen Vogt expressed enthusiasm about Hoskins’ capabilities, stating, “He can hit. He can really hit. He can play first base. There’s still a really good player in there. He knows it, and we know it, and that’s why we brought him in. We’re really excited to have Rhys.”
Hoskins is expected to share first base duties with left-handed hitters Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus, primarily facing left-handed pitchers, against whom he had a .221 average with four home runs last season.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Vogt emphasized the value of Hoskins’ experience, noting, “You can’t put a value on someone like Rhys Hoskins who’s had kind of the highest level of success in this game. And, what he brings to our guys is just the maturity to the approach and what it takes to play every day. The way he has just come in and put his arm around our young guys, it’s no question another reason why our at-bat quality has been really good this spring.”