Bryce Harper urges Phillies to reunite with Rhys Hoskins, beloved slugger is game

The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into the 2026 MLB season with World Series aspirations. But there is reason to have some concern about the roster.

Players are getting older, the offense didn't change much from 2025, and the pitching staff isn't as good as it once was. One of the other issues is the lack of a right-handed power hitter for the lineup. And there just so happens to be a familiar face still in free agency.

Bryce Harper, according to Devan Kaney of 94 WIP, is urging the Phillies and Dave Dombrowski to sign Rhys Hoskins, the beloved postseason hero, to a new deal. Hoskins is game, but what about Dombrowski?

Bryce Harper wants Phillies to sign Rhys Hoskins

"Sources tell me Bryce Harper has been advocating for more right-handed power and someone who could give the Phillies more emotional edge/swagger," Kaney reports. "I'm told Harper suggested Dave Dombrowski (to) look into a reunion with Rhys Hoskins, who remains a free agent. I'm told Hoskins is game to come back and finish the job with the Phillies."

A reunion with Hoskins would be a fun one for the Phillies. In theory, adding a familiar face to bolster the Phillies' power from the right side of the plate seems like a great idea.

Harper and Hoskins are on board, and there are surely many Phillies fans as well who'd love to see this happen. But Dombrowski doesn't necessarily feel the same way.

"Dombrowski kicked tires on a potential reunion before ultimately deciding Hoskoins is not a fit, according to sources," Kaney reports.

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Hoskins, the veteran first baseman, doesn't have a fit with the Phillies. He's not a capable outfielder anymore, and with Kyle Schwarber entrenched at designated hitter, there's not an open roster spot for Hoskins at the moment.

The Phillies could have Harper move back to the outfield and allow Hoskins to take over at first base. But that would mean Adolis Garcia would need to split time with Brandon Marsh in left field, or move Marsh to center and play Justin Crawford less.

Any way the Phillies slice it, getting Hoskins onto the MLB roster, barring a trade, cut, or injury, isn't very feasible. Harper and Schwarber are blocking Hoskins from being a fit.

A reunion with Hoskins would be great, as the beloved postseason hero returning to Philadelphia would be a fun storyline. But, it's not very feasible for the Phillies at the moment. Barring some drastic change, this reunion doesn't look likely.

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