Rhys Hoskins. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Brewers add pop to the middle of the lineup

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 1/24/24

After struggling to get production at first base in the 2023 season, the Brewers have made a major addition to their lineup that should give them a big boost in 2024.

Milwaukee is in the process of finalizing a two-year, $34M deal with former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who is coming off a lost 2023 season thanks to a torn ACL suffered in spring training.

BREAKING: First baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2024

In six seasons with the Phillies, Hoskins slashed .242/.353/.492 with 148 home runs, 149 doubles and 405 RBI. Not only will his production be missed in Philadelphia, but Hoskins was also a fan-favorite who gave his all to the city including some memorable moments.

A Rhys Hoskins moment that Phillies fans will never forget pic.twitter.com/YCWg6tS296
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 24, 2024

While he is not quite the defender that former Brewers first baseman Carlos Santana and Rowdy Tellez are, the trade-off for his bat is well worth the sacrifice.

Brewers first baseman posted a mediocre .231/.292/.389 slash line with 23 home runs and 79 RBIs in 2023, with their .389 slugging percentage ranking 25th in the MLB last season.

Compare that to 30-year-old Hoskins' last healthy season in 2022, where he hit 30 home runs and a .462 slugging percentage while helping the Phillies reach the World Series.

Adding him to a lineup with catcher William Contreras and outfielders Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio gives the Brewers the big bat they desperately need to help pace the offense.

With a pitching staff and bullpen equipped to win, the Brewers are setting themselves up to be the favorite to win the NL Central in 2024.

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