Brewers add pop to the middle of the lineup
After struggling to get production at first base in the 2023 season, the Brewers have made a major addition to their lineup that should give them a big boost in 2024.
Milwaukee is in the process of finalizing a two-year, $34M deal with former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who is coming off a lost 2023 season thanks to a torn ACL suffered in spring training.
In six seasons with the Phillies, Hoskins slashed .242/.353/.492 with 148 home runs, 149 doubles and 405 RBI. Not only will his production be missed in Philadelphia, but Hoskins was also a fan-favorite who gave his all to the city including some memorable moments.
While he is not quite the defender that former Brewers first baseman Carlos Santana and Rowdy Tellez are, the trade-off for his bat is well worth the sacrifice.
Brewers first baseman posted a mediocre .231/.292/.389 slash line with 23 home runs and 79 RBIs in 2023, with their .389 slugging percentage ranking 25th in the MLB last season.
Compare that to 30-year-old Hoskins' last healthy season in 2022, where he hit 30 home runs and a .462 slugging percentage while helping the Phillies reach the World Series.
Adding him to a lineup with catcher William Contreras and outfielders Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio gives the Brewers the big bat they desperately need to help pace the offense.
With a pitching staff and bullpen equipped to win, the Brewers are setting themselves up to be the favorite to win the NL Central in 2024.
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