In a move to solidify their bullpen, the New York Yankees have re-signed veteran left-handed reliever Tim Hill to a one-year deal. The 34-year-old Hill, who was a key contributor in the Yankees’ bullpen last season, will return for another year in New York. His ability to consistently get left-handed hitters out has made him a valuable asset for the Yankees as they aim to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
Hill posted a 3.31 ERA and held opponents to a .220 batting average in 2024. His 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings ratio made him a trusted arm out of the bullpen for manager Aaron Boone. The Yankees have been focused on shoring up their pitching depth this offseason, and Hill’s re-signing fits right into that plan.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are both experiencing setbacks in their pursuit of a left-handed reliever to bolster their own bullpens. Both teams have shown interest in several high-profile lefties on the market, but negotiations have reportedly stalled, with agents and teams failing to come to agreeable terms.
The Mets, who are looking to add a proven southpaw to support closer Edwin DÃaz and the rest of their bullpen, have been in talks with several free agents but have struggled to meet the asking prices. Sources close to the Mets indicate that they are particularly interested in finding a reliever with a strong track record against left-handed batters.
The Dodgers, similarly, have faced challenges in securing the arm they need to enhance their bullpen depth. With their focus on winning another championship, the team is looking to bolster its pitching staff to keep up with the competitive National League. The Dodgers have reportedly been in discussions with multiple candidates but have been hesitant to commit long-term without more clarity on the market conditions.
The ongoing difficulties for both the Mets and Dodgers may push them to explore other avenues for left-handed relief help, including trade discussions or potential signings of lesser-known options. With the Yankees locking up Hill, the demand for reliable lefty relievers continues to rise, adding pressure to teams like the Mets and Dodgers to move quickly.
As the offseason continues, it remains to be seen whether New York’s two other teams will be able to find the relief they seek or whether they’ll face further obstacles in their pursuit of key bullpen additions
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