Milwaukee Brewers first baseman/designated hitter Rhys Hoskins has an fascinating decision ahead of him. The 31-year-old signed a two-year contract worth $34 million guaranteed last January, but his deal included a player opt-out before the 2025 season, as well as a team-share option for 2026. Whether he opts out before 2025 or the option mutual will be rejected, on the one hand, a buyout for 4 million dollars is planned for 2026.
Why would Rhys Hoskins opt out of his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers?
Following Breweries a crushing playoff loss to the New York Mets Rhys Hoskins was asked if he was leaning one way or the other about exercising his player option or not. Hoskins said: “That’s a good question. I don’t know. It’s very far.”
For Hoskins, opting out of his contract would mean testing the free agent market again. He was a free agent for the first time last winter, but was coming off a 2023 season in which he sat out while recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. As a result, the well-established forward didn’t sign until behind schedule January and likely lost millions of dollars as organizations didn’t know what to expect from him after a year off.
Theoretically, Hoskins opting out of his contract in hopes of getting a bigger contract could make some sense. He would join a class of free agent first basemen that included Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, Paul Goldschmidt and potentially Ryan O’Hearn (club option), Joey Gallo (mutual option) and Anthony Rizzo (club option). Even though he finished the 2024 season in which Hoskins was a below-league average hitter (98 OPS+), his strength and run-making potential could make him the third-best free agent option if he decides to test the market again.
Reasons why Rhys Hoskins can remain a Milwaukee brewer.
Last year during free agency, Rhys Hoskins prioritized signing with a winning organization. Scott Boras then arranged for him to sign a contract with the Brewers; who have reached the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. Making the playoffs is not a guarantee, but Milwaukee will likely return a number of newborn players to the team in the 2025 season while also getting Christian Yelich and Brandon Woodruff back. Hoskins could remain an significant part of another playoff-hopeful team, as the Brew Crew doesn’t have any prospects waiting immediately in the minor leagues to take over at first base.
Another reason Hoskins may remain a Brewer is that he posted multiple career lows in 2024. He had career-worst batting averages (.214), on-base percentage (.303), slugging percentage (.419), plus-plus slugging percentage (.722), OPS+ (98), BB% (10.3), K% (28.8) .Hard Hit% (42.3), Exit Velocity (88.7 MPH) and WAR (-0.2). Entering free agency while showing a decline in almost every offensive category doesn’t make much sense.
MORE: Willy Adames drops an intriguing hint about his future with the Milwaukee Brewers.
It will be fascinating to see what Rhys Hoskins does in the off-season. The decision is his, so the brewers have no say in what he decides to do. It’s significant to remember that if he decided to opt out, Milwaukee could still pursue him in free agency if they so desire.
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