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Red Sox Linked to $18 Million Power Bat in Potential Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox are one of the most important teams in the months leading up to the MLB trade deadline. Despite being 9.5 games behind the American League East-leading New York Yankees, they are just four games out of the Wild Card.

One strong week can put them right back in the thick of the playoff race and flip the front office's mindset from sellers to an aggressive buyer.

Although Boston is in dire need to improve their starting rotation, it is not the only hole to fill. On offense, they lack the presence of a right-handed power bat outside of third baseman Alex Bregman. The Red Sox are also using three different players at first base to fill the void left by Triston Casas after suffering a torn patellar tendon in early May.

In a column discussing players that could shape the trade deadline, Chad Jennings of The Athletic mentioned Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins as a potential fit for Boston.

“The Brewers made the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons, but this year has been a fight simply to reach .500, and the Brewers’ 29.2 percent playoffs odds are modest (but also a meaningful improvement since late May). Meanwhile, Hoskins is having a strong bounce-back season at the plate (127 wRC+) and could be one of the biggest rental bats available if the Brewers decide to sell.”

Bashing nine home runs and driving 35 RBIs, the 32-year-old would slot into the middle of Boston’s lineup, provide protection for Rafael Devers, and strengthen a roster with 17 one-score losses this season.

Jennings believes the Red Sox, along with seven other playoff contenders, could create quite the bidding war for Hoskins. If correct, acquiring Hoskins will be expensive.

Yet, knowing he has an $18 million option for 2026 might make trading for him more alluring. He can be a pivotal piece of the offense this season, then either be a stop-gap to Casas’ return or assume the designated hitter role, depending on whether Bregman opts out of his contract at year's end.

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

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