Why the Yankees Need to Avoid Rich Hill in Free Agency

Rich Hill headlines the crop of pitchers in a weak free agent class this winter. While his stats have been phenomenal, the New York Yankees should avoid signing him.

The New York Yankees are entering a time where they are finally relying on an influx of promising, young talent. While the team has a lot of potential at each position on the diamond, starting pitching has generally been viewed as the weakest link.

This year’s free agent class doesn’t offer much that could improve the situation. It’s headlined by Rich Hill, who’s coming off a season split between the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers. Even though the offseason is young, the Yankees already have reached out to Hill’s agent. I can’t emphasize enough that signing Hill would be a mistake for the Yankees.

Sure, at first glance, it seems like a logical move. Hill was one of the games best pitchers in 2016, as he compiled sparkling 2.12 ERA in 20 starts between Oakland and Los Angeles. The lefty allowed just 77 hits in 110.1 innings while serving up just four home runs and 33 walks. Although he did miss an extended period of time due to a blister on his throwing hand, Hill was able to rebound with missing a beat.

Perhaps the reason the Yankees would be so compelled to sign him is the fact that he is left-handed. Aside from CC Sabathia, the team’s rotation options are heavily righthanded. While he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, the journeyman will be turning 37 years old this March.

As it stands right now, he is predicted to land a three-year deal worth around $15-17 million annually. For the Yankees, the investment wouldn’t make sense. The team, in all likelihood, won’t be competing for a World Series championship within the next two years. At this point in his career, Hill is probably looking to sign with a contender who needs an impact arm such as Hill.

As mentioned earlier, the lefty hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. But, why would the club take a chance on a potential decline from Hill? It would just be another example of overspending on an aging veteran.

Keeping in line with the ongoing youth movement, New York would be much better going with the younger options in the farm. Chance Adams is a name that comes to mind. The righty was a surprise in the farm system last season that could definitely challenge for a spot in the rotation. Jordan Montgomery, a 6″ 6′ lefty who excelled at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre could also get some looks.

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While Rich Hill has been superb of late, it’s time to let another team pay the money for an aging arm. For the first time in a while, the Yankees are looking to improve from within.