Philadelphia Phillies’ Former Slugger Rhys Hoskins Sends Reunion Message

And as those star players bounce back, the team had occasion to remember a former star, homegrown slugger Rhys Hoskins, who returned to Citizens Bank Park to play a three-game set for his new team, the Cleveland Guardians.

Hoskins was a standout first baseman for the Phillies, racking up 148 homers in a six-year stint with the team after it drafted him. But he left in free agency after missing the 2023 season with injury and he hasn’t been quite the same at the plate since.

But the door could be open for a reunion between the Phillies and Hoskins one day down the line. When asked about the possibility of re-signing with his old team before he ends his career, Hoskins offered a clear five-word response.

“I’ll never close that door,” Hoskins said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury. “I know the desires and the thoughts I had when I was a player here, a young player here, about playing with one team my whole career. Getting a chance to end a career here would be pretty special, too.”

Philadelphia Phillies Could Seek Reunion With Rhys Hoskins

There was some speculation that Hoskins would return to the Phillies for this season as he sought a contract during a prolonged free agency. That move would have forced Harper to return to the outfield, though, which seems like a tough sell.

But perhaps there could be room for a Hoskins reunion at some point down the line, particularly if he grows open to a bench role. Though Hoskins seems unlikely to contribute meaningfully to the World Series title that has eluded the team, it would be a feel-good story for fans to see him back in uniform.