The Milwaukee Brewers’ season came to an end on Thursday night in the Wild Card Round against the New York Mets, losing 4-2. With the offseason now underway, questions arise about which players will return for 2025 and which ones may not.
One major topic is shortstop Willy Adames, who will enter free agency, with speculation about potential offers from teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the future of first baseman Rhys Hoskins is also uncertain.
Mark Powell from Fansided highlighted three Brewers free agents who might not be back in 2025, including Hoskins. He noted that while Hoskins didn’t have an outstanding season, he still managed an OPS of .722, which is above league average. His power and defensive capabilities remain valuable assets, especially after recovering from a significant injury.
Hoskins is set to earn $18 million next season with Milwaukee, a considerable amount given the weak first-base market this winter. With top free agents like Pete Alonso and Christian Walker available, if Hoskins decides to opt out, it’s uncertain whether he’d land a contract exceeding $20 million. His decision will likely depend on the guidance of his agent.
Moreover, the Houston Astros might seek to upgrade at first base after their Wild Card loss to the Detroit Tigers, especially following their release of Jose Abreu. Hoskins could be an appealing option for them.
Powell believes the Brewers may struggle to afford Hoskins, which could also affect their ability to retain Willy Adames this offseason.
In the 2024 season, Hoskins played 131 games for the Brewers, posting a .214 batting average, 26 home runs, and 82 RBIs, alongside three stolen bases. He played a crucial role in the team’s offense, and losing both him and Adames would create a significant gap in the lineup. In that scenario, outfielder Jackson Chourio and shortstop/second baseman Brice Turang would likely need to step up alongside catcher William Contreras to fill the void in 2025.