Cleveland Guardians Sign Rhys Hoskins To Minor League Deal

Rhys Hoskins just signed a minor-league deal with the Cleveland Guardians. If he lands on the Opening Day roster, he could earn $1.5 million in MLB salary.

This move has some interesting implications for both Hoskins’ rebound chances and Cleveland’s roster. The article digs into Hoskins’ power profile, the injuries that cooled his market, and why the Guardians feel like a smart fit if he’s looking to bounce back in 2025.

Hoskins lands in Cleveland: what the deal signals

The Guardians want a patient, power-hitting righty to balance their mostly left-handed lineup. Hoskins now has a legit shot at everyday at-bats if he shows up in spring and performs.

Cleveland gets a veteran hitter who’s produced when healthy. It’s a good spot for Hoskins to try and rebuild his value after all those injuries.

Player profile: power, patience, and a history of injuries

Rhys Hoskins is a 33-year-old first baseman and DH with above-average power and solid walk rates. He hit 30 homers in more than one season with the Phillies, putting up strong run production numbers when healthy.

An ACL tear wiped out his entire 2023 season, which definitely made his free agency a bit of a gamble. Still, when he’s on the field, he’s been productive.

In 2024 with the Brewers, Hoskins hit .214/.303/.419 with 26 homers and a career-high 28.8% strikeout rate. That’s a lot of pop, but some efficiency issues too.

His 2025 season was limited to 90 games by a sprained thumb. In 328 plate appearances, he hit .237/.332/.416 with a 109 wRC+.

He walked at an 11.6% clip, his best since 2020, and trimmed his strikeout rate to 27.7%. It’s not perfect, but he’s still a hitter who can adjust and get on base.

Against lefties, Hoskins has always looked comfortable—he owns a career 137 wRC+ vs. southpaws. Even against righties last year, he posted a solid 111 wRC+.

So, you get a guy with power and patience, but the injury history has definitely made teams wary. The Guardians are rolling the dice that Hoskins can get back to his old self.

Fit and role in Cleveland’s roster

Cleveland’s bringing in Hoskins to slot in with Kyle Manzardo, a lefty first baseman, and likely DH option C.J. Kayfus. His right-handed bat should help balance out the lineup, which honestly needs it.

With José Ramírez and Steven Kwan already in the heart of the order, Hoskins could see regular at-bats if he’s producing.

Key elements of the fit include:

• Lefty platoon considerations — Hoskins has hammered left-handed pitching (137 wRC+ in his career), which gives Cleveland an edge against tough southpaws.
• Righty stability — Even with more strikeouts last year, he still hit well enough against righties (111 wRC+), so he’s not just a platoon guy.
• Role flexibility — He could DH or play first, giving the team options if Manzardo or Kayfus need a break or a reset.

What this could mean for Cleveland’s 2025 plans

Pitching staff and front-office decision-makers will weigh health trajectory against upside. If Hoskins stays healthy, he could reclaim regular playing time and give the right side of the order some much-needed punch.

The Guardians have built a roster known for depth and versatility. Hoskins’ experience in big moments might translate into a steadier clubhouse vibe, which this team really values.

The minor-league pact with a potential $1.5 million MLB salary on Opening Day feels like a low-risk, high-reward play for Cleveland. It’s a pretty safe bet with some intriguing upside.

For Hoskins, the Guardians offer a structured environment and a clear shot at everyday reps—if his health holds up. If he even gets close to his old form, this signing could turn into a sneaky big deal for Cleveland’s 2025 season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Guardians To Sign Rhys Hoskins To Minor League Deal