Astros’ Potential Target Likely to Stay Put: Rhys Hoskins Predicted to Opt Into Current Deal
The Houston Astros enter the offseason with a significant problem that has been lingering for the better part of 18 months: the first base position. Despite this glaring issue, the team opted not to address it at the trade deadline, leaving many to wonder if the Astros truly believe they have the solution in-house or if they simply couldn’t make a deal work. Regardless of the reasoning, Houston now faces a critical decision as they seek to upgrade the position for 2025.
The good news for Astros fans? This offseason could be one of the best opportunities in years to land a premier first baseman via free agency. The market is loaded with talent, giving the Astros a real chance to fill this void if they are willing to spend the necessary money. Among the top options could be Rhys Hoskins, a slugger who, despite battling injuries, still possesses significant power potential.
Rhys Hoskins: A Potential Fit in Houston
After tearing his ACL in 2023, Hoskins made a strong return in 2024, but his numbers weren’t quite up to his usual standards. He hit 26 home runs, but his OPS+ of 98 was the worst mark of his career. Yet, for a player with a career OPS+ of 121, there’s plenty of reason to believe that with more time to recover, he could return to form—and Minute Maid Park’s short porch in left field would be the perfect place for a power hitter like Hoskins to thrive.
One of the big questions surrounding Hoskins, however, is whether he will even hit free agency. He has an opt-out clause in his contract, but with $18 million on the table for 2025, it’s possible that he may choose to stay put and avoid testing the open market. As Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac pointed out, Hoskins’ current deal offers a lot of security, and with his up-and-down 2024 campaign, he may not find a better situation both financially and in terms of team success.
Astros’ Opportunity in Free Agency
If Hoskins does choose to opt out, he could be one of the more intriguing targets for the Astros. Despite his dip in production, Hoskins still hit 26 homers in 2024, and his ability to get on base and drive the ball could make him a valuable addition to a lineup that already boasts plenty of firepower. If Houston believes they can help him return to his pre-injury form, he could be a game-changer for the Astros at first base.
But signing Hoskins wouldn’t come cheap. Even with a down year, there’s a chance he could command a multi-year deal worth upwards of $15 million per season. For a team like the Astros, who are always looking to maintain their competitive window, the question becomes whether they’re willing to make that kind of investment in a player coming off an injury.
What’s Next for Houston?
The Astros are at a crossroads when it comes to first base, and the decision to pursue Hoskins—or any of the other top first basemen available this offseason—could shape the direction of the franchise. With a roster that remains one of the most talented in baseball, finding a consistent presence at first base could be the missing piece that helps Houston return to the World Series.
For now, Astros fans will be watching closely as the offseason unfolds, hoping that the team makes the right moves to shore up a position that has been a problem for far too long. Rhys Hoskins may not be the only answer, but he could very well be the best option available if the Astros are willing to take a calculated risk on his power potential.
