The Guardians have added a right-handed bat in free agency. Finally.
Zack Meisel of the Athletic reports that Rhys Hoskins is with the Guardians and has a locker. This post will be updated when we get more information on what he signed for and how long.
Hoskins put up a 109 wRC+ last year for the Brewers but has a career 121 wRC+ and for his career has a 137 wRC+ against LHP. He had his best year defensively at first base last season.
One would assume this will push Kyle Manzardo to more of a full-time role at DH, and it’ll be interesting to follow the effects on David Fry. I would guess Hoskins is here on a major league deal. While there are reasons to guess that Hoskins is more of a league average bat, there is at least potential for him to be a middle of the order threat, something the Guardians’ lineup desparately needed, especially against lefty pitchers.
This is very exciting and helps redeem an offseason that was very disappointing until today as far as enhancing the team’s offense.