The Cleveland Guardians are reportedly adding first baseman to their roster, marking a surprising offseason move for the team. While the signing has not yet been formally announced by the club, MLB.com reporter Tim Stebbins confirmed that Hoskins is already in the Guardians’ clubhouse and has been assigned a locker.
According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, the deal is a minor league contract, but Hoskins could earn up to $1.5 million if he makes the Opening Day roster. Hoskins’ free agency had been relatively quiet this offseason, so it comes as somewhat of a surprise that Cleveland, a team not known for high-profile acquisitions, landed the slugger.
Hoskins, 32, is a proven power hitter with 186 career home runs, and his addition offers Cleveland an extra offensive boost. In 2025, Hoskins played only 90 games but still produced 12 home runs and posted an OPS+ of 108 over 279 at-bats. He has five seasons with at least 25 home runs, including a standout 34-homer campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018, and another 30-home run season in 2022. Although injuries sidelined him for all of 2023, Hoskins returned in 2024 to hit 26 home runs, though he posted a negative bWAR that season.
Hoskins began his Major League career with the Phillies, spending six seasons in Philadelphia and becoming known for clutch performances, including several memorable home runs during the Phillies’ 2022 World Series run. He then signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers before entering free agency this offseason. Hoskins’ combination of power and experience makes him a valuable addition to a Guardians lineup that could use more offensive firepower.
Cleveland currently has first base options in Kyle Manzardo and CJ Kayfus, but if Hoskins is healthy, the team could deploy him as a designated hitter. His presence would allow the Guardians to preserve other key players while still benefiting from his bat in the lineup. Hoskins’ ability to hit right-handed pitching, in particular, gives the Guardians another weapon in critical game situations.
For the Guardians, this signing strengthens an already competitive roster. The team enters 2026 as favorites to win the AL Central, even without making major acquisitions. Adding Hoskins adds depth and power to the lineup, complementing the team’s established stars. Jose Ramirez remains the cornerstone of the offense, but players like Kyle Manzardo, who is expected to develop further this season, could challenge for 30 home runs. Steven Kwan, Nolan Jones, and Bo Naylor also offer potential offensive contributions, giving the Guardians a balanced lineup with multiple threats.
Paired with Cleveland’s strong pitching staff and solid coaching, Hoskins’ addition enhances the team’s chances of repeating as division champions. While minor in terms of contract size, the signing signals the Guardians’ commitment to bolstering their offense and adding experienced depth. If Hoskins can return to form, he could provide crucial power in late-game situations and help the team maintain its status as one of the American League’s top contenders.
This move positions the Guardians not only to defend their AL Central crown but also to make a deeper postseason push, with Hoskins potentially playing a key role in Cleveland’s offensive mix.
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