Here we go again. A month after the New York Yankees were outbid for top free agent Juan Soto and saw their closer, Clay Holmes, sign with their crosstown rivals, the Mets, they find themselves competing with the New York Mets once again for another free agent.
Reports indicate that both teams are interested in left-handed reliever Tim Hill. Dan Martin confirmed that the Mets are also considering the 34-year-old, who proved to be a reliable option for the Yankees last season. Signing a left-handed reliever is one of the Yankees’ priorities before spring training, along with adding an infielder and a backup catcher.
Hill, who had a difficult stint with the White Sox before being released in June, found success with the Yankees. He had a 5.87 ERA in 27 appearances for Chicago, but posted a much-improved 2.05 ERA in 35 games with the Yankees, including allowing just one earned run over 7 1/2 innings in the postseason.
Other left-handed relievers on the Yankees’ radar include Andrew Chafin and ex-Met Brooks Raley. Raley, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t be ready for opening day, was highly effective in his last full season.
Chafin, a dependable veteran, struggled after being traded to the Texas Rangers last season, with a 4.19 ERA and a significantly increased walk rate.
Under new owner Steve Cohen, the Mets have become a more formidable presence in free agency, outbidding the Yankees for Soto with a $765 million deal and securing Clay Holmes with a three-year contract that could see him return to starting duties.
