Even though the Philadelphia Phillies are starting Bryce Harper at first base, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski isn’t discounting a reunion with free agent Rhys Hoskins.
After discussing the choice to start Harper at first base with reporters, Dombrowski talked about the possibility of losing Hoskins.
Dombrowski remarked, “We think the world of Rhys and Jayme (Hoskins’ wife). “They are amazing individuals who have greatly benefited the community. While I don’t want to completely shut any doors, that is the current state of affairs. He was aware. We hope for the best for him if he is not returning with us.”
Dombrowski claimed that before he announced Harper, he had a conversation with Hoskins.
Hoskins is a career.242 hitter who can draw walks with consistency and hits anywhere from 20 to 30 home runs in a season. But, the Phillies turned to Harper at first base in 2023 when he was sidelined by an ACL tear.
Harper’s right arm, which underwent Tommy John surgery in November of last year, wasn’t healed enough for him to play in the outfield, so the move was necessary. He could play first base, though.
Harper contributed to the Phillies’ NLCS run by hitting.293/.401/.499/.900 with 21 home runs and 72 RBI in 126 games. Harper has the potential to be one of baseball’s best power hitters during a full season. Maintaining him at the top could also reduce his chance of injury and prolong his career.
Unlike pitcher Aaron Nola, the Phillies did not extend a qualifying offer to Hoskins, a 2014 draft pick. According to free agent rankings and rumors, Hoskins is already making connections—most recently, with the Colorado Rockies.