Spring training is under way for the Milwaukee Brewers and the rest of Major League Baseball. This spring is quite a bit different for the Brewers than it has been in previous years. Craig Counsell ditched Milwaukee to manage the Chicago Cubs and has been throwing shade on the Brewers and their fans ever since.
Corbin Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, was recently traded to the Baltimore Orioles for infielder Joey Ortiz and left-handed pitcher DL Hall. In addition to these big names, the Brewers have also brought in a slew of new talent to boost their offense.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins, who missed all of 2023, was signed to a two-year $34 million contract (the second year is a player option) after the Phillies decided to move two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper to first base. Despite not playing last season, Hoskins presents a legitimate deep threat in the middle of the Brewers’ batting order. He replaces Rowdy Tellez, who was non-tendered and has since signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With the season weeks away, fans are itching to see the new players on their teams, and the ones that have departed, and how they will perform.
Milwaukee Brewers Fans Get a First Glimpse of a Rhys Hoskins Home Run
In the last season in which he played, Hoskins hit .246/.332/.462 with 30 home runs and 79 RBI. In the four full seasons in which he has played, he has never had fewer than 27 home runs in a season. He had 18 in 50 games as a rookie in 2018 and 10 in 41 games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
While he is not in the Brewers’ lineup for their spring training opener, he did participate in a simulated game against Freddy Peralta. And he took Peralta DEEP:
Could I interest you in a Rhys Hoskins homer in 4k60fps?
(Yes, it was off Freddy on a 2-0 fastball) pic.twitter.com/fBmAyU3cAO
— Dominic Cotroneo (@Dom_Cotroneo) February 24, 2024
Hoskins is still working his knee back into game shape following his ACL tear. He can do everything he needs to do, but he says there is no substitution for game speed, and that is when he will finally take the last step in his recovery.
Former Milwaukee Brewers Ace Corbin Burnes Strikes Out His First Batter for the Baltimore Orioles
Burnes, of course, is one of the best strikeout pitchers in the game. That is why it was not a surprise to anyone that he struck out the first batter he ever faced as a member of the Orioles:
In his #SpringTraining debut for the @Orioles, Corbin Burnes strikes out his first batter. pic.twitter.com/JNlYIh00va
— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2024
It will be the first of many, to be sure.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
