You can still debate whether or not the Phillies should have re-signed Rhys Hoskins, but at this point, you’re beating a dead horse. After six seasons in Philadelphia, Hoskins became a free agent and signed with Milwaukee where he has been for the past two seasons. His contract called for him to be paid $12-million in 2024 – the same amount he made with the Phillies in 2023 when he missed the entire season after suffering a torn left ACL at the end of spring training – with an $18-million player option for ’25, which Hoskins exercised. There is also a player option for 2026 worth another $18-million, but this time the Brewers also hold an option and if they choose not to have Hoskins return, they can buy him out for $4-million.

Hoskins hit 26-82-.214/.303/.419 last season and has followed that up by going 12-42-.242/.340/.428. Hoskins went on the IL on July 5th and to date he has missed eight weeks with a left thumb UCL sprain and bone bruise. His season has been limited to just 82 games compared to the 131 that he played in 2024. Hoskins’ HR% has fallen from 5-percent in ’24 to 3.8-percent in ’25 while his walk and strikeout rates have stayed pretty consistent. His average exit velocity has gone up from 88.7 mph to 90.5 mph this season. Many of the Milwaukee pundits say that Hoskins will not be returning and that it might actually be a mutual decision. Ironically, it would be the second time that he was on the open market as a free agent following a significant injury.

Currently, Hoskins in on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville, but could be rejoining the Brewers almost any time. When Hoskins started his rehab assignment on August 19, the Brewers said they would not rush him and wanted to be sure he was physically ready to play and also had his timing back at the plate. In his 10 games with Nashville, Hoskins has played seven games at first and been the DH in three others, hitting 2-4-.297/.386/.568 with the Sounds. He has gone through playing first base in back-to-back games and certainly seems to have his timing back, so he figures to be activated very soon. Many thought it might be in time for this series with the rosters expanding on September 1st, but instead, the Brewers activated shortstop Joey Ortiz from the 10-day IL and recalled RHP Craig Yoho.

Is it possible that the Phillies and Hoskins could have a reunion if he does become a free agent? Yeah, it is. Nick Castellanos is likely not going to get a Christmas card from Rob Thomson and if the manager returns, Castellanos likely will be exiting via a trade. Could Bryce Harper still physically play right field? He has said that he could and offered to go back to the outfield if the Phillies decided they wanted to take that route. That would leave Hoskins as not only an option at first base, but a right-handed hitting option, which is something the Phillies lineup could use although they may want that bat to show a little more power than Hoskins has.

At this point, the 32-year-old Hoskins spends some time as a DH, which would allow Harper to return to the infield from time to time. Kyle Schwarber – if he re-signs with the Phillies – could play some left field on occasion as he has done this year. Plus, Hoskins will need some days off as well, so he could simply sit with Harper playing first.

While the Phillies might not see Hoskins this week, they could potentially see him over the winter.