Mets Rumors: Rich Hill is a legitimate option for the starting rotation

While the baseball world awaits Trevor Bauer’s multimillion-dollar decision, the New York Mets are keeping their options open, with the latest Mets rumors suggesting another starting pitcher is on their radar. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Mets are one of three teams that are showing significant interest in free agent Rich Hill.

While the Mets are in the running for Hill’s services with the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, it should come as no surprise as the saga surrounding Trevor Bauer continues to linger deeper into the offseason. The Mets have also been connected to free agent Jake Odorizzi as the front office looks to find one more Major League caliber starting pitcher to add to the starting rotation. Whether that pitcher is Bauer, Odorizzi or Hill remains to be seen.

You could argue that the Mets could be considered the front runners for Hill’s services based on his response to free agency in an interview earlier this offseason.
“A lot of things that are going to go into the decision of where we’re going to sign this year I think one of them, and one of the big ones, is winning. Understanding that is first and foremost. Also, location. For my family and being able to see the games and have our son around. Just being a part of it is very important.”

Hill, who is a Massachusetts native, would be closer to his home geographically speaking in comparison to the other two clubs who are vying for his services, should these Mets rumors turn into a signing by the front office.

The latest Mets rumors connect the organization to free-agent left-handed pitcher Rich Hill who could be an option for the rotation.

After making eight starts for the Minnesota Twins last season, Hill put up a 3.03 ERA with a 1.164 WHIP over 38.2 innings pitched. Despite turning 41 in March, Hill has demonstrated he still can pitch at a high level and would be a shoo-in for the Mets’ current starting rotation.

While durability has long been a concern for Hill, the Mets have built pitching depth this winter to withstand potentially missed starts this upcoming season. It’s also important to note that they also have a premium insurance plan in Noah Syndergaard returning in late May or June.

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If talks between Hill and the three organizations are indeed as intense as stated, we should expect a resolution fairly soon. It’s most likely not going to take more than a one-year deal to get Hill under contract. But according to these rumors location and the ability to win will be what ultimately gets Hill to sign on the dotted line in the coming days.