It's a curious market for free-agent starting pitchers when 36-year-old Rich Hill -- he of the 144 2/3 big-league innings since the start of the 2014 season -- is the unquestioned best available. As such, it's probably going to take more than you'd think to sign a hurler with a such a seemingly modest resume. His most recent team, though, may be close to paying the necessary freight.
On Saturday, Peter Gammons first reported that the Dodgers may be closing in on a deal with Hill, then came word from Bill Plunkett ...
#Dodgers closing in on multi-year deal with LHP Rich Hill. Not done yet
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 4, 2016
Hill, thanks to increased usage and increased command of his looping curve, has re-established his value to the extent that he's probably going to sign a contract that approaches $50 million in overall value. Last season, he pitched to a sparkling 2.12 ERA and 3.91 K/BB ratio in 20 starts for the Athletics and Dodgers.
As for the Dodgers, yes, they have impressive rotation depth on paper -- coming back are Clayton Kershaw, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Julio Urias, Kenta Maeda, and Alex Wood. The thing about rotation depth, though, is that you often need every bit of it. The 2016 Dodgers certainly learned that, as manager Dave Roberts over the course of the season sent 15 different starting pitchers to the mound.
Yes, Hill has healthy, durability, and age concerns, but the market is such that he's a coveted arm this winter. In particular, it appears he's especially coveted by the Dodgers.
