New York Yankees bolster banged-up bullpen with Tim Hill addition, sign veteran pitcher to 1-year deal

All it took was 23 innings of work for Tim Hill this season for the Chicago White Sox to decide to designate him for free agency. However, a little over a week later, it looks as though Hill is set to be back in MLB.

On Thursday, analyst Jeff Passan reported that the New York Yankees inked Hill to a one-year deal. Now, Hill will be entitled to the prorated league minimum based on appearances for the team. No news has yet surfaced regarding the Yankees' plan to make room for Tim Hill on the 30-man roster.

"Veteran reliever Tim Hill and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN. The 34-year-old left-hander was DFA'd by the White Sox last week and will join a banged-up Yankees bullpen." - Jeff Passan

As Passan alluded to in his original post, the New York Yankees need depth in their bullpen. Relievers currently on the injured list include Cody Poteet, Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross and JT Brubaker. Though the Yankees led the way in terms of bullpen performance in the early season, their 3.41 reliever ERA has slipped down to sixth in MLB.

A 32nd-round pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2014, Tim Hill made his MLB debut in KC before a July 2020 trade to the Padres. Hill pitched in San Diego for four seasons, pitching to a 13-10 record and a 4.18 ERA in 170 total innings with the club. Last offseason, Hill inked a one-year, $1.8 million deal with the White Sox.

"Tim Hill has the lowest release height for any left-handed pitcher this season (3.32) and it creates some weird pitches and some ugly swings. 98th Percentile GB% (63.8%) and a 3.45 xERA are encouraging, but it doesn't come with a ton of whiffs" - Ryan Garcia

Hill's 27 appearances with the Chicago White Sox - MLB's worst team in 2024 - were bumpy. In 23 innings, Hill pitched to a 5.87 ERA, allowing 41 hits over that span of time, and registering a 2.217 WHIP. In New York, the side-armer will undoubtedly be hoping to better his fortunes.

Yankees spotted a bargain in Tim Hill

While the 2024 season may not have been going in a particularly good direction for Hill, the 34-year-old has a wealth of MLB experience and has been known to perform. In 2021, Hill made 78 appearances for the Padres and was frequently used as a set-up man. With a bruised and battered bullpen, the Yankees can only hope for some vintage stuff from Hill.