PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Phillies announced they are moving Bryce Harper to first base. Kyle Schwarber is their everyday designated hitter, that means free agent Rhys Hoskins won’t be back. Why does he have to leave the Commonwealth?
There is some risk associated with the right-handed hitter after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL.
However, the 30-year-old was working his way back and while they said it was a stretch, there was a chance he could have returned if the Phillies made the World Series. So, the recovery is going well.
There are no internal long-term answers at first base for the Pirates. Derek Shelton told Cook and Joe of their two big needs in the offseason-pitching and first base. Only the Oakland A’s had a lower payroll last year than the Pirates and Bucs management is getting bullish on its young prospects in terms of some being ready to be consistent players in the majors and a group of others knocking at the door next year.
In 2022, Hoskins hit 30 home runs with 33 doubles with a .990 fielding percentage at first base. I put in the defensive numbers not because they are Gold Glove, but that he can play the position. His WAR in 2022 was a career-high 2.9. He’s had four seasons of 27 home runs or more and while his career average is .242, his career on-base percentage is .353.
Before the season began and he injured his knee in Spring Training, there was discussion of a contract extension in the neighborhood of four-years, $60 million. That is definitely within the Pirates wheelhouse. There were reports of higher amounts, five-years as high as $97.5 million. That is a number the Pirates can afford as well. Even if he wanted a one-year prove-it deal, do it.
They should have great intel on Hoskins as one of Shelton’s best friends is Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
If the Pirates truly believe they are ready to take the next step, they need to do what the Diamondbacks and Rangers did and invest in some bigger money free agents. The Brewers, Padres and Seattle are reportedly interested in the veteran.
Are the Pirates? Should they be? Is it time to take that next step in free agency too?