MLB Rumors: Rich Hill FA Contract Interests Yankees, Dodgers After Trade Deadline

Veteran free-agent starting pitcher Rich Hill has drawn interest from several teams and is "expected" to sign following the MLB trade deadline, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Heyman added that the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams that have registered interest in Hill.

The 44-year-old has experience with both organizations, making 68 starts for the Dodgers from 2016 through 2019 and appearing in 14 games for the Yankees during the 2014 season.

Hill spent the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres, making 32 appearances which included 27 starts. He finished with a record of 8-14 to go along with a 5.41 ERA, striking out 129 batters in 146.1 innings of work.

The lefty decided to turn down three contract offers heading into the 2024 season, telling Ian Browne of MLB.com that he wanted to spend time coaching his son's Little League team. However, he kept the door open for a potential return.

"I've been working out and throwing," Hill said, per Browne. "I'm continuing to progress and get ready for when that opportunity comes around to go and pitch. The idea is to be ready when that time comes."

The Yankees and Dodgers have both been hunting for rotation help as they prepare for their respective postseason pushes. SNY's Andy Martino reported on Friday that New York was looking for "bullpen and rotation help." Meanwhile, ESPN's Alden González revealed that Chicago White Sox All-Star starter Garrett Crochet was "at the top of the Dodgers' list."

If Los Angeles isn't able to make a blockbuster move and acquire Crochet, Hill could add some rotation depth. In fact, he discussed his affinity for the team in a July 14 radio appearance on AM 570 LA Sports.

"That would be incredible. It would be a great reunion," Hill said (h/t Aaliyan Mohammed of Heavy.com). "I obviously love the city, love wearing Dodger blue. In my opinion, if not the best, one of the best places to pitch in baseball."

While he wasn't on an MLB roster for Opening Day, Hill could be back on a team following Tuesday's trade deadline.