"The Nationals have a plethora of first base options already, but none of them stand out as frontrunners for the Opening Day lineup. Adding a proven 1B/DH type into the mix narrows down the options while giving the Nationals, who have been upfront about not expecting to compete for a playoff spot in 2026, a ritual piece to move at the trade deadline if he performs."
"The righty-hitting Hoskins, 33 this season, spent the first seven years of his big league career with the Phillies. He joined the team's lineup full-time shortly after the 2017 trade deadline, and raked as the team climbed from NL East afterthought to World Series powerhouse, hitting 30 home runs in both 2018 and 2022. After tearing his ACL in 2023 Spring Training which cost him his entire age-30 season, Hoskins jumped to the Brewers on a two-year deal where his production slid."
"The walk rates were still solid and the strikeout numbers didn't get markedly worse, but much of his power had been sapped; after an early July ligament sprain in his left thumb that cost him two months, the Brewers opted to play Andrew Vaughn over him down the stretch. Rhys' final homer of the year came less than halfway into the season"
Twitter account DC Source reported the Nationals are finalizing a one-year contract with free-agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins for 2026, with an announcement expected soon. The account lacks a proven track record, so the report warrants caution. Hoskins, a right-handed hitter turning 33, has seven MLB seasons with the Phillies, posting 30 home runs in 2018 and 2022. He tore his ACL in 2023, then signed with the Brewers where power declined after a thumb sprain cost two months. The Nationals have several first-base candidates; Hoskins would add a proven 1B/DH option and a potential deadline trade piece.
Read at District on Deck
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