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Could the Phillies Bring Back Rhys Hoskins at the Deadline?
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
The Philadelphia Phillies are 32-18, have the best record in the National League, and have started to hit their stride at the plate over the month of May.
Coming into this season, if you asked a majority of people what they believed the Phillies needed, it was a right-handed power bat. Right now, you’re really just getting power from two players: Kyle Schwarber, who is tied with Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead, and Bryce Harper, who is starting to find the pop again after a rough April.
Although the rumors seemed to never get too far, the Phillies reportedly “checked in” on Pete Alonso this past offseason, before he ended up re-signing with the New York Mets. If the Phillies signed Alonso, Harper said he would’ve been willing to go back to the outfield. Here’s what Harper said in the offseason:
When Pete was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’ . When we talked about it, I kind of just reiterated to the Phillies and Scott Boras that I’m willing to move out there if it’s going to help us. I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there [to the outfield].
Harper has turned into a Gold Glove-level first baseman in just the few years that he’s played the position. But adding a big bat at the deadline could be in the Phillies future…
Could it be Rhys Hoskins?
I know, half of you are out strictly because of the name. But Hoskins is slashing .292/.386/.489 in 154 ABs with Milwaukee this season with 7 HRs, 27 RBIs, 45 hits, and 9 doubles.
The Brewers are 25-26. They’ve had a disappointing start to their 2025 season. Jackson Chourio is going through a bit of a sophomore slump, hitting just .245 with a .689 OPS. They’re in a division with the Chicago Cubs, who currently hold a 5.5-game lead on them in the NL Central standings. They also trail a Cardinals team that has surprised a lot of people this year.
Hoskins is on an expiring contract, with a mutual option in 2026. The Brewers could look to sell at the deadline if they’re still floating around .500.
The biggest component of all of this, once again, is Harper still being willing to move back to the outfield. Rhys Hoskins could play first, Kyle Schwarber could still DH, and Harper could go to left or right field. The Phillies signed Max Kepler to a one-year deal in the offseason, and while I liked the Kepler signing and still think he’s a good, impactful player for the Phillies, adding more right-handed power to this lineup should be their priority at the deadline when it comes to offense.
Things would sure have to go the Phillies way. The Brewers are always a team that can randomly get hot, and all of a sudden, be eight games over .500 on July 1st. But even if they’re not looking to sell at the deadline, they could still debate dishing Rhys if they don’t plan to bring him back after this season.
But getting Rhys’ bat, along with his leadership, back in this clubhouse could be a big get in August. Tim Kelly wrote a story for On Pattison a few days ago talking about what makes “clubhouse guys,” and Hoskins’ name was mentioned a few times from current Phillies.
The way Rhys’ tenure in Philadelphia ended wasn’t right. It could all come full circle at the trade deadline, if that’s what Dave Dombrowski wanted to do.
Luke Arcaini writes about the Phillies for Crossing Broad, covers the Phillies for FOX Sports The Gambler, and co-hosts "Phillies Digest" on YouTube. The wave is the worst thing in all of sports. Contact: lukearcaini8@gmail.com