Reds could take a gamble on a former NL Central rival who's chasing redemption

After missing out on Middletown native Kyle Schwarber, Cincinnati Reds fans are wondering where Nick Krall and the front office will turn next. Cincinnati's pursuit of a power-bat could lead them back to the NL Central and former Milwaukee Brewers slugger Rhys Hoskins.

Hoskins starred for the Philadelphia Phillies a few years back, but a devastating injury sidelined the rising star for the entire 2023 season. The Brewers provided a soft landing spot for Hoskins in 2024 and signed him to a two-year deal.

In 2024. Hoskins hit just .214/.303/.419, but he watched 26 balls leave the yard and ranked among the top 25% in both barrel rate and walk rate. Hoskins opted in to the second year of his deal with the Brew Crew last offseason, but battled injuries in 2025.

Reds could follow their age-old strategy and sign Rhys Hoskins to a bounce-back deal this offseason

Hoskins still managed to smack 12 homers in just 279 at-bats while maintaining a .332 on-base percentage and 11.6% walk rate. He's not Schwarber, but if the Reds are looking for power, Hoskins can certainly bring that element to the table.

The Reds need to add some sort of thump to the middle of the batting order, and while the Cincinnati faithful would prefer not to settle for another Austin Hays-like experiment, those might the cards they're dealt once again. The Reds' front office is famous for taking on reclamation projects, and that's exactly what this type of signing would be.

It's unknown what type of deal Hoskins is seeking this offseason, but one can assume he's likely to land nothing more than a one-year deal (maybe with a mutual or team-option for 2027). Hoskins will be entering his age 33 season and after an injury-plagued season in 2025, can't be looking at much more than the $6 million Hays made last year.

With both Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart on the roster, the Reds don't necessarily need a first baseman. Hoskins, however, could act as the team's DH much like Schwarber would have if he had signed with Cincinnati instead of Philadelphia.

There are other power-bats on the open market, but Hoskins might be the best fit for the Reds' budget; which doesn't have a lot of wiggle room.