Guardians confirm Rhys Hoskins will be part of team's big league picture in 2026

While Rhys Hoskins’ contract with the Guardians was one of the minor league variety, everyone in baseball knew that was largely a formality. 

We got confirmation of that on Sunday when MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Hoskins had made the Guardians’ big league roster, which means Cleveland is going to sign him to a big league contract worth $1.5 million at some point in the next 24 hours. 

Even though Hoskins isn’t a complete player, he will provide the Guardians with some much-needed power from the right side of the plate. 

Rhys Hoskins could end up becoming important part of the Guardians’ lineup in 2026 

The Guardians’ decision to sign Hoskins at the start of spring training helped turn around a quiet offseason. Although Hoskins hit just 12 home runs last season and is a little more than three years removed from an ACL injury, he has 186 career home runs and had hit 25+ homers in his three full seasons prior to last season’s sluggish season. 

He's also played in 20 career postseason games in his career, so he shouldn't be scared of the moment should the Guardians make it back to October.

That down season is the main reason why he had to settle for a minor league pact with the Guardians, but it could end up becoming a win-win for both sides.

A strong season from Hoskins could result in him getting a bigger payday in free agency next season while also giving the Guardians the kind of power output they’ve long been searching for. 

Although Hoskins hit just .211 in the spring, he also had three home runs and slugged .515. That kind of production has become the norm for Hoskins, who has gaudy power numbers in his career with some eye-popping strikeout numbers. 

Although Hoskins will be splitting time at first base with Kyle Manzardo, he should be in the lineup everyday thanks to the designated hitter spot being open thanks to David Fry being able to play all over the field again. 

It won’t be a straight up platoon because both of them are everyday players, but both of them should get plenty of time at first. 

CJ Kayfus could also fit into the mix at first base, but he boasts a bit more flexibility thanks to his ability to play right field (should he make the big league roster). 

While the Guardians are no stranger to signing veterans to minor league deals in spring training, Hoskins’ signing was a little different since he clearly still has some gas in the tank compared to previous years where they signed guys who were over the hill. 

Expect Hoskins to be hitting behind José Ramírez in the Guardians’ lineup against the Mariners on Thursday.