Rhys Hoskins-1B
The Miami Marlins could use another big bat and Hoskins is maybe the best power hitter out there for the price. Hoskins’ biggest drawback is being represented by the Boras Corporation, which is why he might be over the Marlins ability to sign. The 30 year old would provide some big pop and if the Marlins brass can be creative in their compensation, they might be able to make it work. Remember they spent $16.5 million on the DH position last year for Jorge Soler so it might not be out of the question.
Is it a gamble for Hoskins? Hoskins had an ACL surgery so he is a big question mark as to how he will bounce back, hence the reason I think they can get creative with a performance based contract. Who knows how he will react to the injury but he could easily be in line for comeback player of the year if he is back to his old self.
Hoskins averaged close to 30 home runs a season before his injury and the Marlins could use that in their lineup. He has a career .242 average and drives in around 75 RBIs a year as well. Those numbers would all perfectly replace Jorge Soler’s production.
Two reasons why he might not be able to be signed by the Marlins are his agents and his injury. The Boras group will likely fight for their client to get paid like one of the best power hitters in the market even despite his injury. They will also likely reject a longer term deal as a result of his injury so he makes more money after having 1 or 2 years of quality production. I could see one of the player option contracts with an opt out after the first season, which he would take if he is not being paid at a high rate.