Cardinals could poach slugger from Brewers to fill lineup needs for 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals have fallen pretty far since reaching the high point of their season on July 8.

After ascending to six games over .500, they've sputtered back to two games below and are losing ground in the playoff race.

It may be time for St. Louis to turn their focus to 2025 and beyond. One of their biggest needs is a right-handed bat to replace Paul Goldschmidt, who is likely to depart this offseason.

For that, they could look to poach slugger Rhys Hoskins from the Milwaukee Brewers.

"He should be better in 2025," Jim Bowden wrote in The Athletic. "Hoskins signed a two-year, $34 million deal with Milwaukee last winter and can opt out after this season."

Hoskins of course would have to opt out of his contract in order to even be an option for St. Louis. The 31-year-old is hitting just .223 but with 20 home runs, 60 RBI, and a .737 OPS.

It's possible that Hoskins will ultimately opt to stay with the Brewers and take a year to rebuild his value. But if he's an option for St. Louis, the Cardinals should look into it.

He provides power from the right side and can play first base and the outfield. With Goldschmidt likely leaving this winter, St. Louis is in need of somebody who can play that position.

Hoskins spent the first six seasons of his Major League career with the Philadelphia Phillies before missing all of 2023 with a torn ACL. He signed with the Brewers last offseason to bolster their lineup.

The veteran slugger could also be used as a designated hitter, which would allow St. Louis to move Alec Burleson or Jordan Walker to first base or even give young slugger Luken Baker a chance.

We'll see if Hoskins opts out and if St. Louis will pursue him.

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