Dodgers bet big on Hill
NOT FAR removed from playing in the independent Atlantic League and with just 610¹/3 MLB innings on his career ledger despite being 36 years old, Rich Hill nevertheless received a three-year, $48 million contract to stay with the Dodgers.
Timing really is everything.
Hill, when healthy, has been terrific since the Red Sox purchased his contract from the Long Island Ducks late in the 2015 season. And he stood out as the best starter in arguably the worst free-agent class ever for starting pitchers.
So the Dodgers decided to extend beyond their financial comfort zone for a pitcher they realize for a variety of reasons might never even pitch enough to qualify for the ERA title. Los Angeles is a win-now team, it has money, and it believes it has the pitching depth to cover for Hill. In exchange, the Dodgers believe they will get a well-above-average starter when available.
In 24 combined starts for the Red Sox, A’s and Dodgers in 2015-16, Hill was 14-6 with a 2.00 ERA. Among his many physical issues is his dependence on one of the best curveballs in the sport. The friction to throw the pitch can cause blisters.
The Dodgers have been hoping to retain their three main free agents: Hill, Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner. That is one down. They would like to trade Brandon McCarthy (two years, $20 million) and/or Scott Kazmir (two years, $32 million) to save money, but for now, they are part of the depth to protect Hill, who will slot behind Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers’ No. 2 starter.