Why Rhys Hoskins is so special to Philadelphia

Rhys Hoskins has officially signed a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after 2024 and a mutual option for 2026 with the Milwaukee Brewers, ending his six-year stint with the Phillies.

However, Hoskins will always be a Philadelphia Phillie.

Hoskins was drafted by Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phils in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, excelled in the minors, was called up in August of 2017, and hit 18 home runs in his first 34 games, a record unmatched by any other player in major-league history.

He owned October in his first postseason by hitting five home runs in the 2022 postseason, spiked the bat, slow trotted on the New York Mets, hit a grand slam on Opening Day in 2019 scoring Bryce Harper for the first time, and so many more iconic moments.

But what is really important to me is how he restored hope in the Phillies’ organization.

When Hoskins was brought up in 2017 and went on that incredible stretch where it seemed like he was hitting a home run every night, that was the first sign of hope the Phillies had experienced in years.

There was a long stretch in Philadelphia where the Phillies were hopeless. They did not finish above .500 from 2012-2021, they were bottom two in the division for five straight seasons, the core of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and along with the whole 2007-2011 teams had gone their separate ways. The Phillies were dead.

Hoskins coming up and dominating was the first time there was a sense of hope for the baseball club in Philadelphia since, I do not know, 2010. 2009, even?

Hoskins was far from a perfect player in Philadelphia, with cold streaks and defensive struggles. He was super streaky and so inconsistent at times.

But the highs were oh so high as the patient right-hander slugger could carry the team for periods. He was the definition of a Phillie. He had ups and he had downs, but he was the one constant in the clubhouse, good or bad. Hoskins raised so much money in his time here and embraced everything it means to be a Philadelphia Phillie.

Is Hoskins a Wall of Famer? I think so. His time here was so valuable it has to always be remembered. And Phillies fans will always remember where they were during the bat spike. I was fortunate enough to be in the building, in section 302 row two.

Hoskins returns to Philadelphia June 3-5. It will be a special night.