Chicago Cubs should prioritize Rhys Hoskins in free agency

The Chicago Cubs are heading into free agency rumored to be in the mix on some franchise-altering players.

The biggest name out there, of course, is this generation’s version of Babe Ruth in starting pitcher/power hitter Shohei Ohtani. Even with him recovering from surgery and only expecting to be able to DH in 2024, the price tag to acquire him has the potential to be the biggest we have ever seen.

The Cubs are in the conversation of favorites to land Ohtani, but as we all know, there is more to do. While signing him would absolutely catapult the Cubs to contenders, to say the least, the argument can be made this should not be the priority.

The gaping hole in the Cubs lineup is at first base, and free agent Rhys Hoskins would fit perfectly into this lineup.

The Chicago Cubs have a need at first base this off-season and free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins would be a perfect fit.

After tearing his ACL just before Opening Day 2023, Hoskins missed out on the entire season with the Philadelphia Phillies. In a whirlwind of a season, the Phillies ended up with all-star Bryce Harper taking over duties at first base after injury, sliding Nick Castellanos over to right field, and promoting rookie sensation Johan Rojas to the big league roster in center field. Before you know it, they were clicking and fell just short of reaching their second World Series in as many years. The Phillies announced after the season that Harper would be their first-baseman moving forward, leaving Hoskins to test free agency.

With Cody Bellinger seemingly headed to the Bronx and Matt Mervis just not ready to be the guy, Hoskins would be an incredible way to fill the void at first and contribute to an already stellar infield. He hit 30 home runs in 2022 and that has Cubs fans dreaming of summer days with the wind blowing out. As far as the price tag is concerned, there should be nothing standing between Hoskins and the Cubs being able to strike a deal besides the length and terms of the contract. If you’re willing to guarantee $ 40 million to your manager, you’re willing to get the guys you need. Hoskins is without a doubt a guy the Cubs need going into 2024 to contend.