Phillies Slugger Is Associated With The Red Sox As A Potential Unexpected Offseason Addition

In the middle of the lineup, the Boston Red Sox could use another right-handed bat.

Justin Turner played for Boston in 2023, and while he was undoubtedly good, he will probably play elsewhere the following season. He chose to leave the Red Sox, and it appears that Boston will be going in a different route.

According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, the Philadelphia Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins is one intriguing player who has been mentioned as a possible addition to the Red Sox’s roster. The team has money to spend and needs to bolster its lineup this offseason.

“In ‘22, (Hoskins) was in the 75th percentile or higher in expected weighted on-base percentage (338), expected slugging percentage (.445), average exit velocity (90.1 mph), barrel percentage (11.1%), hard hit percentage (44.3%), sweet spot percentage (37.3%), chase percentage (23.2%) and walk rate, per Baseball Savant,” Smith stated. “Are Hoskins and the Red Sox a good fit? Indeed. When facing left-handed starters, Hoskins could alternate between playing first base and serving as the DH. In essence, he might accomplish something for Boston in 2023 akin to what Justin Turner accomplished.”

Despite missing the 2023 campaign, Hoskins, who is only 30 years old, might still be a very good choice. In addition to seeing time at designated hitter and in left field, he could offer a reliable right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup. With the exception of the 2020 short season, he has hit at least 27 home runs and driven in at least 71 runs in each of his previous four complete seasons. Should he be able to play at that caliber again, he might be just what Boston needs. Additionally, he won’t be as costly as he is recovering from an injury, which may free up funds for the starting rotation.