Where could Rhys Hoskins hit in the Cleveland Guardians lineup?
The Cleveland Guardians roster is starting to take shape as Spring Training continues, and the team’s surprise signing Rhys Hoskins to a Minor League deal.
Even though Hoskins is off to a slow start in Spring Training games, he’s still a proven big-league hitter who posted overall above-average stats in 2026. He’ll certain;y bring a much-needed boost to Cleveland’s lineup, but where?
Hoskins signed a Minor League deal with the Guardians, so he still needs to earn a spot on the roster. Assuming he does just that, here’s what Cleveland’s lineup could look like against the Seattle Mariners on Opening Day, assuming Cleveland’s AL West foe starts a right-hander on the mound.
- Steven Kwan - CF
- Chase DeLauter - LF
- Jose Ramirez - 3B
- Kyle Manzardo - DH
- Rhys Hoskins - 1B
- George Valera - RF
- Bo Naylor - C
- Brayan Rocchio - SS
- Daniel Schneemann - 2B
Even though Hoskins may have better career numbers off left-handed pitching, he can still do damage off right-handers, too, making him an option for the Guardians no matter who is on the mound. In 2025, Hoskins had an OPS of .756 off right-handed pitchers.
Having the veteran slugger hit fifth off righties, and Manzardo slotted in at cleanup, definitely makes the most sense considering the current makeup of the Guardians roster. With a left-hander on the mound, this pair could easily flip-flop to give Jose Ramirez a little more protection.
Looking at some other takeaways of this lineup projection, if DeLauter stays healthy, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be hitting second in Cleveland’s Opening Day lineup. The prospect is having a tremendous spring, when he’s been healthy, and has shown time and time again he’s ready for the
Perhaps the most surprising part of this projection is Daniel Schneemann starting at second base, but right now, he might be Cleveland’s best option on the right side of the middle infield.
Gabriel Arias is still having some of the same struggles at the plate and was scratched from Sunday's game with low back spasms. Juan Brito will be an option at some point, but he seems destined to start the season at Triple-A, unless he catches fire at the plate over the last three weeks of Spring Training.
Schneemann cooled off after a hot start to 2025, but is probably Cleveland’s current best option if a right-hander is on the mound.
A lot can and still will happen before Opening Day, and Hoskins still must make the team, but seeing his name written into Cleveland’s lineup does make it feel a bit deeper and provides a much-needed power threat.
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Category: General Sports
