First baseman Rhys Hoskins (knee) missed the entire 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies after tearing his ACL in a spring training game on March 23. Hoskins, who was set to be a free agent in 2024, couldn't boost his value in a prove-it year.
However, Hoskins still got paid this offseason and signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers in January. With the Brewers heading to spring training in the next couple of weeks, the first baseman is almost one year removed from his torn ACL.
Is Hoskins injured or healthy? Will he be ready for Opening Day? Let's dive in.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and weekly lineup resources:- Nick Mariano's fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups (Premium)
- Start/Sit recommendations - All Pitcher Matchups for Week Ahead
- Fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings (top 80 players)
- FAAB fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- Starting pitcher fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- Outfield fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- 1B/3B fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- 2B/SS fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- Catcher fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- Hitter streamers - fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- Two-start pitcher streamers - fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups
- Cut List - Players To Consider Dropping
Rhys Hoskins Injury Update
It was disappointing news when Hoskins tore his ACL in a spring training game last year. The slugging first baseman was coming off a strong campaign, where he hit 30 home runs, 33 doubles, and 79 RBI. He was also a big part in helping the Phillies reach the World Series in 2022.
Hoskins underwent successful ACL surgery one week later (March 30), and the team listed the recovery timeline at just seven to nine months. That means the 30-year-old veteran should be good to go for spring training, which is what he told the media following his deal with the Brewers.
Of course, there will be obstacles that Hoskins will need to clear during spring training to be a full go for Opening Day. But the first baseman acknowledged that he should have "little to no limitations once games start."
Rhys Hoskins Fantasy Baseball Outlook
Once the season starts, there should be very little concern for Hoskins' knee injury. He might see some days off here and there to start the year as he continues to build back up. His bat will also be much needed for the Brewers' lineup.
But he isn't someone you should necessarily target anywhere near the top of your draft. He only has a career .242 average and hasn't topped 80 RBI in two straight full seasons. The lineup around Hoskins is also worrisome, as he leaves a top-five offense in Philadelphia.
However, he could be a nice target later in your draft, especially if you need extra-base hits. He has totaled at least 27 HRs and 29 doubles in four straight full seasons (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022). The ACL injury shouldn't worry fantasy managers, as the veteran will still display his power in Milwaukee.