The Yankees are reportedly interested in the 44-year-old free agent pitcher Rich Hill. Hill, who previously played for the Yankees, is aiming for a return to the mound in 2024, marking his 20th MLB season. Despite a successful career with multiple teams, Hill struggled last season with the Pirates and Padres, posting an 8.23 ERA after the trade deadline. This, coupled with his age, has left him unsigned, yet he is drawing interest from both the Yankees and Dodgers, as reported by Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe.
Given his recent performance, Hill would likely be considered a Minor League depth option rather than a Major League starter.
Hill briefly played for the Yankees in 2014 and had a notable stint with the Dodgers from 2016-2019, where he achieved a 3.16 ERA and 427 strikeouts, contributing to two World Series runs. However, his current form is far from his peak years, with a fastball averaging below 90 MPH, making him more suited for Minor League depth.
The interest from the Yankees and Dodgers, both serious contenders looking to bolster their pitching at the trade deadline, suggests they might see Hill as a way to strengthen their Minor League depth. This could be in anticipation of trading some of their current Minor League arms for Major League upgrades.
The situation is unusual given Hill’s age, as it’s rare for 44-year-olds to be considered for MLB spots. After his challenging last season, it appears that time may have finally caught up with Hill, marking his worst ERA since 2013.
Leave a Reply