Tim Hill is drawing interest from five teams as the free-agent market for left-handed relievers starts to take shape, with the Los Angeles Dodgers among the clubs in the mix.
Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees and Cleveland Guardians are at the forefront, while the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants are also among the teams looking at Hill. The Dodgers are part of that group, which is notable given their bullpen uncertainty heading into the season.
Los Angeles has multiple bullpen free agents, including Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen. Phillips has already signed with the Atlanta Braves, leaving the Dodgers with more questions to answer in the late innings.
Why Hill fits the market
Hill has spent the last three seasons in New York and has been used as a lefty specialist. That role still has value, especially for teams trying to balance matchups in the middle and late innings.
The 37-year-old Hill will turn 37 in February and brings nine years of MLB experience. Across 519 appearances, he owns a 3.94 ERA, including a 3.34 ERA over 169.2 innings in his recent work. Opponents have posted a.588 OPS against him during that stretch, compared with a.807 OPS over his broader career.
Three years and $35 million is the kind of contract that can change a bullpen picture quickly, but even without that level of commitment, Hill remains a useful option for teams looking for a proven left-handed arm. With five clubs involved, the market suggests there is still real demand for that skill set.
