CINCINNATI, OHIO – JUNE 28: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the dugout in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies are heading toward Opening Day with virtually the same roster as last year, despite some calls for an infusion of new talent.
After re-signing Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto, the next batting order will look a lot like the one that has disappointed in two straight playoff bids, though the team has released Nick Castellanos and brought in Adolis Garcia among some other tweaks.
However, at a couple of points during this offseason, the Phillies seemed pretty close to making a more significant change.
Shortly before star shortstop Bo Bichette signed with the New York Mets, the Phillies offered him a long-term contract that nearly shook things up in Philly.
And the team was also reportedly talking about a reunion with fan favorite Rhys Hoskins as well.
Philadelphia Phillies Reportedly Urged To Explore Reunion With Rhys Hoskins
“Sources tell me Bryce Harper has been advocating for more right handed power and someone who could give the Phillies more emotional edge/swagger,” WIP Phillies reporter Devan Kaney wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I’m told Harper suggested Dave Dombrowski look into a reunion with Rhys Hoskins who remains a free agent.”
Kaney’s report didn’t seem to materialize into any confirmed negotiations with Hoskins, but the suggestion certainly turned some heads among Phillies fans. Hoskins was drafted by the organization in 2014 and served as the team’s first baseman for six seasons before Harper took over the position and the team moved on from him.
But instead of a return with the Phillies, Hoskins agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Guardians that seems to have been a disappointment for him.
Philadelphia Phillies Fan Favorite Rhys Hoskins Dealt A ‘Bad Hand’ Before New Contract
“It’s not the opportunity he imagined,” The Athletic’s Zack Meisel wrote. “Instead, this has become a season in which Hoskins must prove there’s still thunder in his bat so he can enjoy a more favorable free-agent winter beginning in nine months, or whenever the league and union decide there will be a next season.”
Though Hoskins didn’t specifically address the idea of coming back to the Phillies, a hypothetical return to the contending organization that drafted him would have certainly been a better opportunity for the veteran slugger. But instead of coming back after Kaney’s report, Hoskins is left to make the best of a minor league opportunity after a somewhat disappointing outcome.
“I know it’s still in there,” Hoskins said of his power at the plate, per Mesiel. “I know I can be a productive player in this league. I think I proved that last year, but sometimes you just get dealt a bad hand.”