The Phillies declined Monday to extend a one-year, $20.33 million qualifying offer to Hoskins (knee), making him an unrestricted free agent, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
The 30-year-old Hoskins produced an excellent 126 wRC+ over his first six seasons in the big leagues, but after missing the entire 2023 campaign while recovering from a torn ACL, the Phillies weren't keen on committing $20 million in salary to him in 2024. The veteran first baseman appears to be nearing the finish line in his rehab program, as he had been taking part in live batting practice in October and hadn't been ruled out from being included on the Phillies' World Series roster, had Philadelphia beaten Arizona in the NLCS. Heyman notes that there is a "decent chance" the Phillies bring Hoskins back in 2024, but expect other teams searching for a right-handed power bat to enter the bidding for his services as well.
Hoskins (knee) isn't included on the Phillies' roster for the team's National League Championship Series versus the Diamondbacks.
Hoskins continues to work out at the team's spring training complex in Florida as he works his way back from late-March surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He's reportedly coming along well in his recovery, and though he won't be available for the NLCS, Hoskins hasn't been ruled out, he could be added to the Phillies roster for the World Series, should Philadelphia advance. The 30-year-old is scheduled for free agency this offseason.
Phillies' Rhys Hoskins: Ready for live batting practice
Rotowire
Hoskins (knee) will begin taking live batting practice Wednesday in Clearwater, Florida, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
Hoskins is joining some other players in the Phillies organization at the team's spring training complex for what is being called "stay-ready camp." The 30-year-old slugger has been out all season while recovering from March surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, but the hope is that he could become an option if Philly makes it to the World Series.
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Phillies' Rhys Hoskins: World Series return not ruled out
Rotowire
Hoskins (knee) took batting practice and ran the bases at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.
Hoskins hit a few home runs during batting practice and has been taking 70-to-75 swings per day, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson. "It sure looks good," Thomson said Tuesday. While Hoskins still looks like a long shot to return from ACL surgery for the postseason, the team isn't ruling it out if they make a deep run. "We're looking more toward the World Series, if he were to get there," Thomson said. Hoskins is set to hit free agency this offseason.
Phillies' Rhys Hoskins: Playoff return not ruled out
Rotowire
Hoskins (knee) could potentially return this season if the Phillies make a deep postseason run, MLB.com reports.
Hoskins did some running on the field on July 14, the first time he's done so since he underwent ACL surgery in late March. His teammate, Kyle Schwarber, had ACL surgery in early April of 2016 and made it back for the World Series, so Hoskins has that as a guidepost. Ultimately, the odds of the Phillies making another deep playoff run and Hoskins being available are long, but it hasn't been ruled out.
