Brewers Rumors: Milwaukee floated as trade partner to help Red Sox address first base

If the Boston Red Sox are still hunting for a first baseman at the 2025 trade deadline, one name checks every box. Milwaukee Brewers slugger Rhys Hoskins. He’s productive, experienced, and on an expiring deal. In theory, he’s the perfect fit. In reality, a deal might be harder to execute than it looks on paper.

Hoskins is in the final year of a two-year, $34 million contract and has bounced back nicely after missing all of 2023. Through mid-May, he’s slashing .297/.402/.483 with six home runs and 26 RBIs — a valuable bat with postseason experience and a knack for coming through in big moments. However, his value comes with a price, and it’s one Boston might not be willing to pay.

Why a Rhys Hoskins–Red Sox trade makes some sense — but probably won’t happen

One speculative trade proposal has floated out a package of utilityman Romy González and top pitching prospect Luis Perales heading to Milwaukee. On the surface, it’s a fair offer. González brings major league versatility, and the Brewers would immediately have fun finding a place to plug him in. And Perales is a high-upside arm, but this is where things get murky.

For the Red Sox, parting with Perales might be a bridge too far. Giving up a potential future starter just to plug the first base hole for half a season could come back to bite them. Meanwhile, González, while useful, is hardly a centerpiece. The price may simply be too steep for Boston’s front office to justify, even with Triston Casas out for the year and a lack of current in-house options.

Then there’s the Brewers side of things. As of mid-May, Milwaukee is sitting just below .500, but they’ve shown signs of staying competitive throughout a rollercoaster season. They’re weathering injuries, and with key pitching reinforcements on the mend, Milwaukee could very well be in the NL Central or Wild Card race by July. If they’re even remotely close, don’t count on them shipping off a hot middle-of-the-order bat like Hoskins. It’s a team that thrives on chemistry and timely hitting — and Hoskins is currently fitting that mold.

The truth is, this trade scenario lives and dies on Milwaukee’s positioning in the standings. If the Brewers spiral out of contention by the trade deadline, Hoskins becomes a luxury they can afford to flip for longer-term assets. But if they’re within striking distance, it’s hard to see GM Matt Arnold pulling the trigger.

Let’s also recognize that Boston isn’t the only team that would covet Hoskins. A slugging righty with playoff experience will draw interest across both leagues. That would only drive the price up further and make a deal with Boston even more unlikely.

In the end, Rhys Hoskins to the Red Sox is a trade that makes sense — on paper. But unless the Brewers fall flat or Boston decides to ditch its farm and go all-in, this deal probably never leaves the rumor mill. Too many complications, not enough incentive on either side.