The Mariners have curiosity in first baseman Rhys Hoskins, in accordance with a report from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. Hoskins is taken into account unlikely to return to his longtime membership in Philadelphia after the Phillies shifted Bryce Harper to first base full time earlier this offseason.
Hoskins, 31 in March, missed the whole 2023 season on account of a torn ACL however was one of many league’s premiere energy hitters since his first full-season as a significant leaguer again in 2018. Over that point, Hoskins’s 130 homers tied with slugger J.D. Martinez for fifteenth amongst all MLB hitters whereas his remoted slugging ranks twenty fourth, just under the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Matt Olson whereas clocking in simply forward of gamers like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto.
That form of prodigious energy manufacturing would absolutely assist the Mariners, notably after the membership noticed Teoscar Hernandez depart free of charge company whereas parting methods with Eugenio Suarez, Jarred Kelenic, and Mike Ford. These departures have left Seattle in position to improve their contact rate relative to final season, however brief on energy. The 4 aforementioned gamers mixed for 75 of the membership’s 210 dwelling runs final season, leaving Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh because the lineup’s solely dependable sources of energy. Hoskins may enhance the membership’s energy potential whereas additionally providing a palatable profession strikeout charge of 23.9% that wouldn’t battle with their objective of a extra contact-oriented offense in 2024.
That stated, the match between the Mariners and Hoskins isn’t excellent, because the membership at the moment has Ty France as their on a regular basis first baseman. France was one of many Mariners’ higher contact hitters in 2023 as he struck out at a clip of simply 17.6%, however the 29-year-old’s 104 wRC+ signifies that his general manufacturing left one thing to be desired, notably given his offense-first place of first base. If Hoskins have been head up north to Seattle, it’s potential that France, who has logged occasional time at second and third base all through his profession, may pitch in throughout the infield whereas additionally spelling Hoskins at first base, permitting him to ease again into an on a regular basis function with DH begins after his prolonged absence on account of damage. After all, it’s additionally value noting that the membership fielded trade offers on France within the run-up to the commerce deadline final summer time, although it’s unclear if any such conversations have occurred this winter.
Hoskins isn’t the one energy hitter the Mariners have been hooked up to in current weeks, as free agent sluggers Jorge Soler and Martinez have each been rumored as potential targets for Seattle as effectively. Martinez is a considerably questionable match for a crew seeking to prioritize contact, as he posted a strikeout charge north of 30% in 2023, however Soler may show to be an excellent higher match for Seattle’s wants than Hoskins given their dearth of outfield depth. Hoskins additionally has extra suitors past Seattle, as he’s been connected to the Nationals in current weeks whereas additionally reportedly discussing a number of potential contract frameworks with the Cubs.
