
The Yankees are reportedly still interested in bringing back veteran left-handed reliever Tim Hill, according to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. After a productive stint with the Yankees in 2024, Hill remains an intriguing option on the market for teams seeking a lefty specialist. For a team looking to bolster its bullpen and maintain depth, Hill fits the bill as a reliable, experienced arm.
In 2024, Hill tossed 67 innings, recording a 3.36 ERA with 41.6 strikeouts per nine, 2.55 walks per nine, and a 68.2% ground ball rate. His ability to induce weak contact and keep hitters off balance made him an asset during the Yankees’ postseason run, where he excelled in high-leverage moments.
Why Hill Makes Sense
The Yankees currently lack a dependable left-handed bullpen option, which makes Hill an even more attractive target. His ability to limit damage against left-handed batters is particularly valuable. Last season, Hill held lefties to a .211 batting average and kept his opponents’ hard-hit rate in check. His sinker-slider combination remains his bread and butter, with the sinker generating ground balls and the slider serving as his put-away pitch.

Hill’s skill set is mainly designed to take advantage of lefties. His durability and consistency have been highlights of his career, even as he enters his age-35 season. The Yankees saw firsthand how crucial Hill can be during their playoff run, as he stepped up in critical situations and handled the pressure with ease.
Hill logged a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings this past post-season.
Affordable and Effective
Bringing back Hill would be a cost-effective move for the Yankees, especially as they try to stay under certain luxury tax thresholds. Unlike splashier bullpen signings, Hill offers good upside without a massive financial commitment. He may not be the flashiest name available.
The Yankees’ Bullpen Strategy
The Yankees have shown a knack for piecing together elite bullpens with a mix of veterans and young arms. Adding Hill back into the fold would align perfectly with their strategy, providing a dependable southpaw who complements their already strong right-handed relief options. As general manager Brian Cashman continues to weigh his options, Hill’s name is one that keeps resurfacing for good reason.
- Yankees dodged a bullet avoiding another expensive and declining veteran
- Yankees’ potential third base trade target is likely staying put
- Yankees’ injured reliever eyeing return in late May or early June
If Hill returns to the Bronx, the Yankees could solidify a critical part of their bullpen puzzle, ensuring they have the versatility and depth needed to navigate the grind of a full season and the pressures of October baseball.