The Chicago Cubs are progressing in talks to make their first major signing of the offseason after a quiet start.
In an immediate gratification society, everything needs to happen immediately for people to feel comfortable.
The Chicago Cubs have done no favors in making sure people come out of this offseason feeling confident that they can become a National League contender like ownership and the front office proclaimed they would be after missing the playoffs by one game last year.
Yet, in the grand scheme of things, there is still time for the Cubs to add the necessary pieces to upgrade their roster, and it looks like one of those moves could be coming soon.
“The Chicago Cubs are in talks with agent Scott Boras about signing free-agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins,” according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.
The former Philadelphia Phillies slugger is coming off a torn ACL in 2023 during Spring Training that caused him to miss the entire season. They let him walk in free agency after Bryce Harper proved he could play first base at a high level.
Chicago is in need of a first baseman after rotating multiple players there throughout the season. The front office reportedly wants to have an everyday player and Hoskins could provide that.
He also brings the power bat they’re looking for as well.
Since becoming a full-time Major League player in 2018 and excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Hoskins has hit 34, 29, 27 and 30 homers with no less than 70 RBI per year and a career OPS+ of 125.
This wouldn’t be a blockbuster move by any means, especially with question marks surrounding him about how he’ll perform coming off a major injury, but Hoskins will provide value to this roster and would take care of one important position of need.