$34 Million Brewers Slugger Set for Perfect Comeback, as Milwaukee Offers Him Best Chance Following Devastating Injury

The one thing this offseason has been lacking a little is surprises. Most teams are getting their targets; free agents are signing with the teams they’ve been forever linked with. But after months of waiting, finally, there’s a semblance of a surprise with Rhys Hoskins signing with the Milwaukee Brewers. This is the one signing that no one expected, but on a deeper look, it makes too much sense for us to not expect it.

The Brewers are at the bottom of the financial totem pole. One of the smallest market teams, fans don’t expect many big signings from them. So it’s interesting that the franchise has gone outside its comfort zone for Rhys Hoskins. But this looks like a risk with tremendous upside for both the slugger and the Brew Crew.

Why does the Milwaukee Brewers-Rhys Hoskins connection make too much sense?

Rhys Hoskins had been a central part of the Philadelphia Phillies squad since his debut. The resident slugger of the Fightin’ Phils, Hoskins, created a scary reputation. Perhaps that’s why on MLB Network’s Hot Stove, Harold Reynolds and Matt Vesgersian were so positive about the Brewers signing Hoskins.

Vesgersian took notice of the fact that the Brewers lack strong hitters and how a “stud first baseman” could give them an edge this season. To this end, Reynolds remarked that the American Family Field could be highly suitable for Hoskins. Saying that Hoskins will not have to “deal with the weather issues, and it’s got a bit of a dome.”

In 2023, the Brewers had collectively hit 165 home runs and were 25th in the league. Although Hoskins missed 2023 due to injuries, he ended 2022 with 30 home runs. Hoskins has hit over 28 home runs in every season, bar his debut and the 2020 season. If the slugger returns to full health in 2024, it won’t be a surprise to see him lead the Brew Crew in slugging. This is something that he desperately needs, as 2023 has reduced much of his value in the market.

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Simultaneously, the brewers will provide Hoskins with an environment of relatively low expectations. Also, with an opt-out after the first year, Hoskins could make 2024 an audition year for himself. A year through which he’ll increase the value of his potential contract when he enters free agency again.

How the Brew Crew’s offseason is a merger of future and present?

The Brewers have already signed 19-year-old Jackson Chourio with a $82 million contract. With Hoskins’ $34 million deal, the team has already spent a little over $116 million for these two players. While Chourio is a bet for the future, Hoskins is a classic signing to improve the team’s present.

Despite being a farm-first franchise, it looks like the Beermakers are trying to inject some life into their first team right now. With the league seeing a whole new high after the Dodgers crossed the $1 billion mark this offseason, it’s encouraging to see small-market teams remaining competitive in the market.

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