Sacramento native free agent slugger could be the big bat SF Giants need

The SF Giants could certainly use an extra bat in their lineup. One option could be the power-hitting Sacramento native Rhys Hoskins who may become available in free agency if he opts out of his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Hoskins has been a significant power threat ever since he entered the big leagues back in 2017. He hit 34 home runs in 2018 and 30 in 2022. Last season with the Brewers he hit .216/.303/.419 with 26 home runs and 82 RBI in 449 at-bats.

Those are not great numbers, but it is important to note that Hoskins missed all of 2023 with an injury so 2024 may have been a year where he was trying to get back in the swing of things.

SF Giants should target Sacramento native Rhys Hoskins

He signed a 2-year, $34 million deal with the Brewers prior to 2024 season. The Giants were another potential suitor for him. The deal included an opt-out after this season so Hoskins will be faced with a decision on what he wants to do. Common sense says that he will opt in to that deal as it seems risky for him to test the market to try and get more than $17 million next season after his lackluster 2024.

But maybe he feels that he could get more on the free agent market or perhaps he is looking for a bit more security with a longer-term deal.

If he does decide to opt out, the Giants should definitely make a run for him. The fact that he grew up a Giants fan helps and the fact that first base has so much uncertainty around it for the Giants makes him an upgrade for the Giants.

The Giants did not get a ton of production at the first base position in 2024 with the injuries and struggles of LaMonte Wade Jr., Wilmer Flores, and Mark Canha. Those three players added up to 12 home runs for the Giants which is not great at a position where you expect to get some pop.

If the Giants were to acquire Hoskins, they could count on getting 20-something homers from him if he stays healthy. Even if his average and on base percentage is low, those power numbers will help an offense that struggled with consistency in 2024.

One concern could be that Hoskins would block top prospect Bryce Eldridge in the minor leagues whose main position is first base. The Giants could start Eldridge off as a designated hitter when he first comes up so he does not have to worry about playing defense while keeping Hoskins at first base.

Signing Hoskins would also allow the Giants to move on from Wade and Flores whose struggles with injuries and at the plate raise questions about their potential to contribute in 2025.

If the Giants were to sign Hoskins to a 3-year deal for $15-20 million per year with an opt out after the second year that would give them enough flexibility to trade Hoskins if Eldridge forces him out. Hoskins would make the Giants better in 2025 which is why the Giants should target him.