GOODYEAR, Ariz. — One of the top questions hanging over the Guardians’ offseason was how they would improve an offense that collectively struggled in 2025. With Cactus League play underway, Cleveland is set to make its biggest addition of this winter.
The Guardians and first baseman Rhys Hoskins are finalizing a Minor League deal that includes an invitation to big league Spring Training, a source told MLB.com on Sunday.
The club has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical that is expected to be completed in the coming days. It would be worth $1.5 million if he makes Cleveland’s Opening Day roster.
Hoskins was already in the Guardians’ clubhouse at their player development complex in Arizona on Sunday.
As the Guardians weighed lineup additions this offseason, their top consideration was how a given move would impact the opportunities they want to give their up-and-coming players this year. Hoskins’ addition will have ripple effects in the position-player mix, but it should raise the floor of Cleveland’s lineup given his track record of production.
Over eight seasons with the Phillies and Brewers, Hoskins hit 186 home runs and logged an .819 OPS.
The Guardians’ first-base mix includes Kyle Manzardo, CJ Kayfus and David Fry. Manzardo bulked up this winter, as the club wanted him to physically prepare to play first base four or five days per week. Kayfus can play first and right field, and Fry entered Spring Training as a right-handed complement to the mix, in addition to his presence as a third catcher.
The DH spot offers manager Stephen Vogt flexibility, and Steven Kwan potentially seeing time in center field this season would open playing time in the outfield corners for Kayfus and others. But Hoskins now figures to be first in line to serve as a right-handed complement to Manzardo at first.
That could be fruitful for Cleveland’s offensive production, given how the club has just four right-handed hitters on its 40-man roster and Hoskins’ track record.
