The Phillies have a Rhys Hoskins problem heading into the 2023 season

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Rhys Hoskins Phillies World Series
Philadelphia Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins celebrates his two-run home run during the third inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The 2023 season will be Rhys Hoskins‘ final year of arbitration eligibility. Unless a long-term contract extension can be reached, 2023 could be his last in Philadelphia, if not sooner than that.

Hoskins is projected to make somewhere in the ballpark of $13 million next season, but the Phillies could explore a more lucrative contract that could tie him to the club for multiple years.

Hoskins is a client of super agent Scott Boras. So if the Phillies do not give Hoskins that big, possible opt-out loaded contract, someone will.

But is backing the brinks truck up to Hoskins worth it for the Phillies?

Realistic Expectations for Rhys Hoskins

The Phillies just lost six pitchers to free agency. Names like Brad Hand, Noah Syndergaard, and David Robertson to name a few.

Rhys Hoskins has hit for power with the Phillies since being called up in 2017. He sits at 148 career home runs in six seasons. But he is a streaky hitter. When he is hot, he is one of the best hitters in the game. But when he’s cold, he’s not.

Hoskins’s glove isn’t great either. He committed a career-high 12 errors in 2022.

With the emergence of Darick Hall late in the regular season, Hoskins could be quite a valuable trade chip for the Phillies.

Hall is a power-hitting first baseman that can play serviceable defense and currently has under a year of Major League Service Time.

Should Rhys Hoskins be traded?

With all things considered, the Phillies exploring Hoskins’ trade value is a must.

Hoskins could fetch the Phillies a valuable reliever or two that could contribute to the bullpen immediately.

Trading Hoskins makes too much sense for the Phillies. But acquiring a team’s middle to low-tier prospects would not be an ideal swap. They need talent that can help them now, not in three or four years.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum