HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 28: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during batting practice prior to Game 1 of the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Friday, October 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Philadelphia Phillies opened the season with a disappointing record as their returning cast of star players struggled, but they’ve managed to turn that around and make some history in the process.
After cutting ties with long-time manager Rob Thomson and installing bench coach Don Mattingly as his interim replacement, the Phillies seem to be back on track for another postseason run.
“They dumped manager Rob Thomson, and became the fifth team in the last century to go from at least 10 games under .500 to one game over within the first 47 games of a season,” Bob Nightengale noted for USA Today. “Their resurgence kicked in when Zack Wheeler was activated from his thoracic outlet surgery, giving them a fearsome trio with Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo… Their offense also has awoken with Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh, with Trea Turner, Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm recovering from dreadful starts.”
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.