Brewers 'underrated' free agent could be contender's missing piece 1 May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers infielder Rhys Hoskins (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Brewers ‘underrated’ free agent could be contender’s missing piece

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Tyler Koerth_ | Last updated Dec 24, 2025 1:01 PM ET

Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins is a glue-type of player.

Beyond his production on the diamond, Hoskins has been a respected locker room voice during his time in a Brewers uniform, and was one of the Phillies’ catalysts during his time in Philadelphia.

This hot stove season, Hoskins remains available and could wind up being the missing piece for a legitimate World Series contender, if the Brewers don’t bring him back.

Brewers’ Rhys Hoskins has major upside on free agent market

Bleacher Report MLB analyst Kerry Miller suggests Hoskins is one of the best values still available on the open market.

“He’s still young enough,” Miller writes of Hoskins. “That it’s hardly outlandish to think he could have a bounce-back year.

“And with both Pete Alonso and Josh Naylor off the board, Hoskins might be the best first baseman still available—aside from Kazuma Okamoto, who has split time between 3B and 1B over the past decade in Japan.”

Milwaukee Brewers Surprisingly Postpone Rhys Hoskins' Return Amid 2-Month Absence 2 May 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) reacts after hitting a solo home run as Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (15) looks on at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Last season, Hoskins hit .237 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI, while posting a strong .748 OPS.

Whether he returns to Milwaukee or anchors a new lineup, Hoskins remains the rare veteran capable of transforming a clubhouse culture just as quickly as he can change a game with one swing.

For the Brewers, deciding whether to retain him isn’t just about home run totals—it’s about weighing the cost of losing the veteran heartbeat of their locker room

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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