Rhys Hoskins has a player option for the 2025 season. It sounds like he has an idea of what he's going to do.
After the New York Mets eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers in crushing fashion Thursday night in Game 3 of the National League wild-card series, Rhys Hoskins pulled up a chair in the corner of an empty, nearly-silent clubhouse and held court with his teammates for roughly a half hour.
It was the sign and scene of a group of players that knew this would likely be their last time ever in the same room together.
But while the team will look different when spring training convenes next February, it sounds like Hoskins will still be present.
Hoskins is coming off a disappointing first year with the Brewers after signing a two-year, $34 million contract that includes an opt-out following the 2024 season. The opt-out carries a $4 million buyout from the Brewers, but if he doesn’t exercise it he would receive a base salary of $18 million from Milwaukee in 2025.
Following the worst season of his career – Hoskins batted .214 with a .722 OPS, 26 home runs, 82 runs batted in and went hitless in nine postseason at-bats – taking the player option and remaining with the Brewers for $18 million next year would seem to be the likely scenario.
Here’s how Hoskins responded when asked about his future following Game 3:
“It’s the type of group you want to be a part of,” Hoskins said. “There’s a ton of talent here. Surprised everybody this year. I don’t think we’ll be a surprise next year. We’ve got a lot to get through first and foremost, obviously the disappointment. I said this right when I signed, I said this throughout the year: the most important thing is being on a winner. This is absolutely a winning team.”
More: Here's the contract status of Milwaukee Brewers players headed into the offseason
Those quotes sound like someone expecting to return to the Brewers next year. Is that Hoskins’ plan?
“I don’t know. Whenever the (option) deadline is, we’ll get to an answer then,” he said. “I have to do my due diligence. This is a great place to be. I’ve enjoyed the heck out of myself. I love these guys. This city, this organization has welcomed me with open arms and we have a chance to win everytime we step on the field.”
If Hoskins were to opt out of his deal, it would be questionable as to whether he would even receive a multi-year contract from a team coming off the year he had. If he did, it likely would not equal the $22 million total ($18 million salary plus a $4 mutual option buyout for 2026) Hoskins is guaranteed if he picked up his player option with the Brewers.
The first baseman also seemed to enjoy his time playing under manager Pat Murphy as one of the club’s veteran leaders.
A decision is yet to be made but all signs seem to point toward the 31-year-old returning to Milwaukee next year with both sides hoping his second season following ACL surgery is a better one.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rhys Hoskins hints at decision on 2025 player option with Brewers
