After an unforgettable tenure, Rhys Hoskins’ time with the Phillies has come to an end.
The Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, announced at the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., that Bryce Harper will be the team’s everyday first baseman in 2024 and beyond, effectively ending Hoskins’ time in Philadelphia.
Hoskins, who tore his left ACL in late March, leaving the Phillies without a first baseman, received the news from Dombrowski on Sunday. Dombrowski stated that the decision was made after a long discussion with Harper, who volunteered to play in the position and showed great promise there.
“Bryce being our first baseman, we look at [Kyle] Schwarber being our DH the majority of the time,” Dombrowski remarked. “So, I did talk to Rhys on Sunday, let him know about the situation. I gave him a call and just explained the situation. Because, as you know, we absolutely think the world of him and [Hoskins’ wife] Jayme. They’re just wonderful people. They’ve done so much for the community. We don’t want to 100 percent close any doors, but I’d say when we look at the situation … he understood.”
Dombrowski also made it clear that there are no plans to occasionally play Harper in right field as he will solely focus on being a first baseman next year.
Harper, who finished the regular season with positive defensive metrics, notably allowing the Phillies to make adjustments to their outfield formation, will be a pivotal part of the team’s future plans.
Hoskins, who was drafted by the Phillies in 2014, leaves the team with a batting average of .242, 148 home runs, and 405 RBIs in his six seasons with the team. He played an important role in helping the Phillies return to the postseason in 2022 and left his mark with iconic moments, including a memorable three-run home run against the Braves in the NL Division Series.
Hoskins’ impact and contributions to the Phillies will not be forgotten, and his presence will surely be missed in the years to come.