Is Hoskins a Phillies Qualifying Offer Candidate?

In a preview of players that could receive the one-year qualifying offer, MLB Trade Rumors declared Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins a possible candidate for a qualifying offer as that window approaches.

Hoskins is a free agent this offseason. But the Phillies could opt to try and keep him, or at least guaranteed themselves draft pick compensation if Hoskins walks, by tendering him the one-year qualifying offer, which is believed to be a bit more than $20 million this season.

The Phillies must decide whether to extend that offer by five days after the World Series. Game 4 between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks is on Tuesday night, with the Rangers leading, 2-1.

If Hoskins accepts the tender, that would be his contract for 2024. If he doesn’t, and he joins another team, the Phillies get draft pick compensation.

Complicating all of this is the fact that Hoskins missed all of the 2023 season after he tore his ACL in Spring Training.

Hoskins is a career .242 hitter who consistently hits anywhere from 20 to 30 home runs per season and is able to draw walks effectively. But, in his absence, the Phillies have found a new first baseman — Bryce Harper.

Harper took to the position out of necessity as he continued his recovery from Tommy John surgery. But he proved an effective fielder and playing that position may be better for his long-term health.

So, the Phillies have to weigh Harper’s future against that of Hoskins, who must weigh testing free agency against a potential qualifying offer.

It’s an intriguing situation and one worth watching after the World Series ends.