The Cleveland Guardians are reportedly signing free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins, though the move has not yet been officially announced.
According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Hoskins was seen inside the Guardians’ clubhouse and already has a locker prepared, while Zack Meisel of The Athletic reported that the deal is a minor-league contract that could earn Hoskins up to $1.5 million if he makes the major league roster out of spring training.
Hoskins’ free agency market had remained relatively quiet throughout much of the offseason, making Cleveland an unexpected landing spot since the Guardians are not typically known for high-profile offensive signings.
The 32-year-old veteran brings significant power potential, having hit 186 career home runs and serving as a needed offensive reinforcement for a Cleveland lineup looking to improve its run production.
During the 2025 season, injuries limited Hoskins to 90 games, but he still recorded 12 home runs and posted an OPS+ of 108 across 279 at-bats.
Throughout his career, he has produced multiple 25-plus home run seasons, including a 34-homer campaign in 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies and a 30-homer season in 2022 before later joining the Milwaukee Brewers on a two-year deal.
Cleveland already has internal first base options such as Kyle Manzardo and CJ Kayfus, but if Hoskins proves healthy, the team may deploy him more frequently as a designated hitter to maximize his offensive value.
The signing could further strengthen a lineup led by star third baseman José Ramírez, giving the Guardians another power threat alongside developing hitters like Steven Kwan, Nolan Jones, and Bo Naylor as Cleveland aims to remain a strong contender in the division.
