Former Brewers First Baseman Emerges as a Top Free-Agent Target for an AL East Powerhouse .MH
The New York Yankees could be in the market for a lefty-mashing first baseman, writes Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter. His top target to match that need? Former Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who became a free agent this offseason after two years in Milwaukee.
Hoskins right-handed pop matches Yankees’ needs
Hoskins remains one of the top second-tier options among available first basemen. In 90 games last season he hit .237/.332/.416 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs. Most of his production came in the first half, before he hit the injured list with a thumb injury and Andrew Vaughn took his job. Down the stretch and into the postseason, the Brewers favored lefty platoon bat Jake Bauers. Hoskins failed to earn a spot on the playoff roster.
On the Yankees, however, his right-handed stroke could find a home. Paul Goldschmidt is a free agent. Starting first baseman Ben Rice hits from the opposite side, and while he destroys right-handers, he can be neutralized by southpaws. Much like Bauers for the Brewers, Hoskins could fill a platoon role in New York.
In Milwaukee, Hoskins put up only modest southpaw splits. He posted as a .788 OPS against them in 2024, and last season, he actually fared a bit better versus righties. He hasn’t been the same menace since his Phillies days, before a torn ACL caused him to miss the entire 2023 season.
Still, even as a Brewer, Hoskins boasts a higher average and on-base percentage than represented by Rice’s .208/.271/481 slashline facing same-side pitchers.
Edging out Goldschmidt with a 108 OPS+ to the latter’s 104, Hoskins would likely be an offensive upgrade. Reuter notes that, later in the season, Goldschmidt was reduced to starting against southpaws. Meanwhile Rice, who hit 26 home runs and posted an .836 OPS overall, took the lion’s share of opportunities versus righties. With Goldschmidt’s continued decline (.731 OPS, .129 ISO in 2025), Hoskins certainly offers more upside in the power department, if not as a hitter in general.
