With the moves that the Philadelphia Phillies have to make within the next few months, one of them is certain. The front office has made it clear that Rhys Hoskins will not return.
Earlier in the offseason, Dave Dombrowski said he spoke to Hoskins about the decision to have Bryce Harper play first base moving forward. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported the following:
“Dave Dombrowski said he spoke with Rhys Hoskins to tell him about the decision. Harper will be the everyday first baseman (he will not play right field) and the Phillies see Kyle Schwarber as the primary DH, essentially leaving Hoskins nowhere to play.”
With Hoskins aware of the situation, his camp has been actively trying to find a suitor. Of those teams, the Chicago Cubs, continues to be interested in acquiring the 30-year-old.
According to Jon Morosi, Hoskins camp and the Cubs have been in contact on a potential contract.
“Sources: Cubs and Rhys Hoskins’ representatives remain in contact on a possible free-agent deal. One year and multiyear contract proposals have been discussed.”
For the Phillies, this doesn’t change much this offseason. They could add an outfielder due to Harper being full-time at first base, but even that’s not certain.
Dombrowski has said that he’s confident in this roster and feels like there are no glaring weaknesses or holes they have to address after re-signing Aaron Nola.
Chicago could view Hoskins as someone who can make an impact for them coming off an injury. As Philadelphia fans know, the right-handed slugger is someone who can hit 30-plus home runs in any given season.
