{"id":82592,"date":"2024-08-09T18:55:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T22:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=82592"},"modified":"2024-08-09T18:55:12","modified_gmt":"2024-08-09T22:55:12","slug":"teams-that-could-sign-rich-hill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/09\/teams-that-could-sign-rich-hill\/","title":{"rendered":"Potential Landing Spots for Veteran Pitcher Ahead of MLB Playoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veteran lefty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillri01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-07-25_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rich Hill<\/a> threw a bullpen session on Friday in hopes of showing teams what he has left in the tank. Hill\u2019s interest in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/16\/rich-hill-looking-sign-contender-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">joining a contender this year<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillri01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rich Hill<\/a> could represent the last pitching upgrade a contending team could make ahead of the playoffs.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Rich Hill showcasing \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jc39iyQFfU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/jc39iyQFfU<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rob Bradford (@bradfo) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bradfo\/status\/1821906936452837453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Rich Hill Looking To Sign With A Potential Playoff Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Los Angeles Dodgers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dodgers recently <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/30\/dodgers-land-jack-flaherty-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">acquired<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/flaheja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Flaherty<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/21\/clayton-kershaw-season-debut\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">activated<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kershcl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clayton Kershaw<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/glasnty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Glasnow<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent rumors revealed that Hill might prefer to sign with his former team, and the Dodgers likely would be interested in stockpiling quality arms.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Rich Hill is back on the mound and has interest from the Yankees and Dodgers. At 44, the lefty is hoping to get back for what would be a 20th season in the majors.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PeteAbe\/status\/1816517023826083915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 25, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, the Dodgers have a use for Hill\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vesiaal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Vesia<\/a>. Vesia will likely pitch in high-leverage situations in October, but Hill provides value in lower-leverage situations.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>New York Yankees<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillti01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tim Hill<\/a> represents the only southpaw in the Yankees bullpen right now. Though <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cortene01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nestor Cortes<\/a> seems likely to move to the \u2018pen 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hill comes with a solid pedigree of success against left-handed hitters. With Yankee Stadium a haven for lefty sluggers, Hill\u2019s ability to stifle them could provide immense value in the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019t have to worry about whether he can handle the pressure as they would with other players.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Boston Red Sox<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the first time in a couple of years, the Red Sox had a clear direction at the trade deadline. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/29\/quinn-priester-red-sox-pirates-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Adding high-upside<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/26\/james-paxton-dodgers-red-sox-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">pitching depth<\/a> was a clear goal for the team, and that need could be heightened with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pivetni01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-08-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Pivetta<\/a> experiencing arm fatigue.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The Red Sox were one of the teams at Rich Hill\u2019s showcase, per <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bradfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Bradfo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Seems like he could possibly help with the workload concerns involving the rotation down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019d also be a pretty cool ending to his career to run it back AGAIN.<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xzDzqXMKq5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/xzDzqXMKq5<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Tyler Milliken \u26be\ufe0f (@tylermilliken_) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tylermilliken_\/status\/1821956586190872744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hill\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s pitching philosophy.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Minnesota Twins<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Minnesota Twins <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/30\/twins-trevor-richards-blue-jays-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">added only one reliever<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, news broke on Friday that one of the team\u2019s best starters could <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/09\/twins-joe-ryan-shoulder-injury\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">miss the rest of the season<\/a> with a shoulder issue. Plus, an important bullpen piece recently underwent season-ending surgery. If there wasn&#8217;t already a need for pitching reinforcements before, there certainly is one now.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s a team that knows how effective a fully rested Hill can be for two months, it\u2019s the Twins.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MNTwins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#MNTwins<\/a> are in contact with LHP Rich Hill, 44, who threw today for scouts and hopes to pitch for a contender down the stretch. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/eOo7GMkvhb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/eOo7GMkvhb<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DanHayesMLB\/status\/1821983081827594737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, much has been made of Minnesota\u2019s budget restraints. Even though Hill won\u2019t cost much to sign, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the pitching need has only grown since the deadline, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Photo Credit: \u00a9 Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Veteran lefty Rich Hill threw a bullpen session on Friday in hopes of showing teams what he has left in the tank. Hill\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4683,"featured_media":82621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1071,4,33,13,5],"tags":[5180,97,3207,3008,269,1245],"class_list":["post-82592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","category-redsox","category-dodgers","category-twins","category-yankees","tag-alex-vesia","tag-clayton-kershaw","tag-jack-flaherty","tag-nick-pivetta","tag-rich-hill","tag-tyler-glasnow"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4683"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82592"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82592\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82621"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}