The two most recognizable teams in baseball history even have a player in mind, one who was probably not on many people’s radar. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees should view the July 30 MLB trade deadline as an opportunity to acquire a potential X-factor for their respective championship pursuits. But they are also looking to the free agency market, primarily to shore up their pitching depth.
Rich Hill, 44, is aiming to return for what would be his 20th major league season. “He is back on the mound and has interest from the Yankees and Dodgers,” The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham said on Thursday.
Though those are icons and legends, Hill is searching for a defining moment to cap off his lengthy and honorable career. Rickey Henderson, The Undertaker, and Muhammad Ali all persevered well past their prime, and at times, their twilight years were absolutely agonizing to watch. Retirement is a difficult decision that is not always made when the public thinks it should be.
While injuries have often hindered him throughout his career, which may explain why he is aiming for a comeback at this age, the Massachusetts native is 90-73 with a 4.01 lifetime ERA and has played for 13 different MLB teams, including both New York and Los Angeles. Hill’s veteran presence could be crucial for these title contenders, but they will have to decide if his recent track record warrants a roster spot.
Rich Hill was unquestionably successful in the years prior to 2023, but his 5.41 ERA over 32 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres was unimpressive. The Dodgers and Yankees have a major question to answer. Was last season the beginning of the end, or just a blip before a good final act?
What Rich Hill can offer the Yankees: For the time being, New York’s starting pitching rotation is set, but the team will want more arms in case an injury bug bites. Another issue is Luis Gil’s output; entering this season, the Rookie of the Year contender had only thrown 33.1 innings in Major League Baseball. A less expensive solution such as Hill could be especially useful if management wants to exercise caution.
His contributions do not have to be confined simply to the rotation. He can also be a worthy innings eater in the Yankees’ bullpen. Hill should be able to adjust because he performed that function for the Padres and on a frequent basis in his early career.
Considering that New York’s relief unit has been somewhat depleted lately, it might seem prudent to invest in additional troops. If nothing else, having a backup pitcher will help keep the staff from going too far in the regular season before the postseason.
