Guardians add needed right-handed bat by reaching minor league deal with first baseman Rhys Hoskins

By: The Associated Press Posted: 2:23 PM CST Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a minor league deal with first baseman Rhys Hoskins.

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a minor league deal with first baseman Rhys Hoskins.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/02/2026 (226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a minor league deal with first baseman Rhys Hoskins.

The deal is pending Hoskins passing a physical, but he was with the team on Sunday. Manager Stephen Vogt told reporters he is excited to have Hoskins added as a right-handed hitter who can compete for time at first base and designated hitter.

Hoskins, 32, will compete with two left-handed hitters, Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus, at first base.

FILE - Milwaukee Brewers' Rhys Hoskins runs during the sixth inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

“He’s got a chance to come into camp, make an impact and possibly make the team,” Vogt told Cleveland.com. “He’s a right-handed bat who can play first base and DH. Obviously, we don’t have a lot of right-handed bats in camp.”

Hoskins played for Milwaukee the last two seasons following six seasons with Philadelphia. He hit .237 with 12 homers in 279 at-bats last season after hitting .214 with 26 homers and 82 RBIs in 2024.

The Brewers declined their $18 million option on Hoskins after last season. Hoskins received a $4 million buyout that completed a $34 million, two-year contract. MLB.com reported Hoskins would earn $1.5 million from Cleveland if he makes the opening day roster.