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Potential Landing Spots for Veteran Pitcher Ahead of MLB Playoffs

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Veteran lefty Rich Hill threw a bullpen session on Friday in hopes of showing teams what he has left in the tank. Hill’s interest in joining a contender this year has been widely reported, and his audition represents the first step in the signing process. With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, deciding to sign Rich Hill could represent the last pitching upgrade a contending team could make ahead of the playoffs.

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The 44-year-old comes with a long pedigree of providing quality results in high-pressure situations. Though he is far past his prime, Hill could provide a team solid value during a World Series push this fall. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to the veteran in recent weeks, but multiple other teams could surely be interested in signing him.

Rich Hill Looking To Sign With A Potential Playoff Team

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers recently acquired Jack Flaherty and activated Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow from the injured list. The pitching staff could get even more healthy and bolstered before October. Even so, the team might be the front-runner to sign Hill.

Recent rumors revealed that Hill might prefer to sign with his former team, and the Dodgers likely would be interested in stockpiling quality arms.

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Hill and the Dodgers staff are very familiar with one another. While his best years are behind him, those best years were with the current Dodgers regime. From 2016-2019, the lefty tossed 361 1/3 innings with a 3.16 ERA (128 ERA+). If any team could get the best production from Hill, it would be the Dodgers.

Furthermore, the Dodgers have a use for Hill’s services. The pitching staff is the healthiest it has been all year, but injuries have ravaged the unit for over a year. Plus, the bullpen lacks established lefty options behind Alex Vesia. Vesia will likely pitch in high-leverage situations in October, but Hill provides value in lower-leverage situations.

New York Yankees 

The New York Yankees did not bolster the pitching staff at the deadline as many hoped. Plus, questions regarding workloads and health surround multiple important arms. Hill has not pitched since last September and would likely be the freshest arm in the league this October.

Additionally, Tim Hill represents the only southpaw in the Yankees bullpen right now. Though Nestor Cortes seems likely to move to the ‘pen in the playoffs, one can argue that the unit still needs to be fortified. At this point in the season, Hill could be the best option.

Hill comes with a solid pedigree of success against left-handed hitters. With Yankee Stadium a haven for lefty sluggers, Hill’s ability to stifle them could provide immense value in the playoffs.

Also, Hill is a proven commodity in both the postseason and big markets. There might not be a more pressure-cooked situation than October baseball in the Bronx. If the team signs Rich Hill, they won’t have to worry about whether he can handle the pressure as they would with other players.

Boston Red Sox

For the first time in a couple of years, the Red Sox had a clear direction at the trade deadline. Adding high-upside pitching depth was a clear goal for the team, and that need could be heightened with Nick Pivetta experiencing arm fatigue.

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Hill’s upside is not what it once was. But he is a serviceable arm that can help a team like the Red Sox claim at least a Wild Card berth. Plus, the lefty lives right outside of Boston. Joining the Red Sox could allow him to join a postseason push while being home with his family half of the time.

Additionally, the new Red Sox regime believes in pitchers not throwing their four-seam fastballs. In his prime, Hill relied on an iconic curveball while his sinker generated the best results last season. The pitcher comes with a repertoire that aligns well with the team’s pitching philosophy.

Minnesota Twins 

The Minnesota Twins added only one reliever at the deadline despite expressing interest in more significant upgrades. With little money to spend, the organization felt confident that the top of its starting rotation could lead them to a postseason run.

Unfortunately, news broke on Friday that one of the team’s best starters could miss the rest of the season with a shoulder issue. Plus, an important bullpen piece recently underwent season-ending surgery. If there wasn’t already a need for pitching reinforcements before, there certainly is one now.

Hill pitched well for the Twins in the shortened 2020 campaign. He tossed 38 2/3 innings with a 3.03 ERA (143 ERA+). If there’s a team that knows how effective a fully rested Hill can be for two months, it’s the Twins.

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That said, much has been made of Minnesota’s budget restraints. Even though Hill won’t cost much to sign, it’s unclear how little money is available to the front office. Rumors circulated around the deadline that the team would need to shed money before taking on any meaningful contract. Plus, Dan Hayes of The Athletic told Foul Territory that the front office preferred to deal away better prospects to entice the trade partner to eat salary.

While the pitching need has only grown since the deadline, it’s doubtful that the team has enough money to sign Hill at this point. But, there certainly is a need and a familiarity there that will likely be explored.

 

Photo Credit: © Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

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