Milwaukee Brewers first baseman/designated hitter Rhys Hoskins has an interesting decision ahead of him. The 31 year old signed a two year, $34 million guaranteed contract last January but his deal included a player opt out option before the 2025 season as well as a mutual team option for 2026. Whether he opts out before 2025 or the mutual option is declined by one side for 2026 there is a $4 million buyout.
Why would Rhys Hoskins opt out of his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers?
Following the Brewers crushing playoff defeat at the hands of the New York Mets Rhys Hoskins was asked if he was leaning one way or another in regard to exercising his player option or not. Hoskins said, “It’s a good question. I don’t know. That’s a long way away.”
For Hoskins, opting out of his contract would mean re-testing the free agent market. Last winter he was a free agent for the first time but was coming off a 2023 season in which he didn’t play as he was recovering from ACL surgery. As a result the well established power hitter didn’t sign until late January and he probably lost out on millions of dollars by virtue of organizations not knowing what to expect from him after having a year off.
In theory Hoskins opting out of his contract in hopes of a bigger deal may make some sense. He would join a free agent first baseman class consisting of Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, Paul Goldschmidt, and potentially Ryan O’Hearn (club option), Joey Gallo (mutual option), and Anthony Rizzo (club option). Despite coming off a 2024 season in which Hoskins was a below average league hitter (98 OPS+) his power and run producing potential may slot him in as the third best free agent option should he chose to re-test the market.
Reasons why Rhys Hoskins may remain a Milwaukee Brewer.
During free agency last year Rhys Hoskins prioritized signing with a winning organization. Scott Boras then orchestrated him signing with the Brewers; who have made the playoffs six out of the past seven seasons. Making the playoffs is no guarantee but Milwaukee likely will be returning a lot of their young core for the 2025 season while also getting Christian Yelich and Brandon Woodruff back. Hoskins could remain an important part of another playoff hopeful team as the Brew Crew don’t have any prospects immediately waiting in the Minor Leagues to take over first base.
Another reason why Hoskins may remain a Brewer is because he posted a lot of career lows in 2024. He had career worsts in batting average (.214), on base percentage (.303), slugging percentage (.419), on base plus slugging percentage (.722), OPS+ (98), BB% (10.3), K% (28.8), hard hit % (42.3), exit velocity (88.7 MPH), and WAR (-0.2). Entering free agency while showing a decline in almost every offensive category doesn’t make a lot of sense.
MORE: Willy Adames drops an intriguing hint on his future with the Milwaukee Brewers.
It will be interesting to see what Rhys Hoskins ends up doing this off-season. The decision is his to make so the Brewers don’t get a say in what he elects to do. Keep in mind that should he elect to opt out Milwaukee could still pursue him in free agency if they desire.
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