The Minnesota Twins announced the signing of Rich Hill to a one-year contract, ending any possibility he would return to the Los Angeles Dodgers or enjoy a homecoming with the Boston Red Sox. Both clubs were recently said to have interest in the veteran left-hander.
Also on Tuesday, the Twins announced the signing of Homer Bailey. He too was on the Dodgers’ payroll this past season after being acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. He was immediately released and signed a Minor League contract with the Kansas City Royals.
In the immediate aftermath of the Dodgers being eliminated from the National League Division Series, Hill spoke passionately about his time with the team and said he hoped to re-sign. Hill more recently said he was focused on signing with a World Series contender and acknowledged an affinity for both the Dodgers and Red Sox.
On the surface the Twins may not appear to quite meet that criteria, but they are coming off a 101-win season that saw them earn the American League Central title for the first time since 2010.
Minnesota’s deal with Hill is for $3 million and includes incentives, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Twins deals: 3M for Hill plus incentives that can take him above 10M if he’s healthy. 7M for Bailey.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 31, 2019
They will need to wait for contributions from Hill as he is expected to be sidelined at least until June of the 2020 season. He underwent surgery to reattach a torn portion of the UCL in his left elbow. Hill pitched through the injury upon returning from a strained flexor tendon.
The long road ahead figured to lend to Hill remaining with the Dodgers, in large part because their depth would have allowed for the 39-year-old to navigate the recovery process free of any pressure.
L.A. acquired Hill and Josh Reddick from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline in 2016. He was re-signed to a three-year, $48 million contract that December and proved to be a valuable member of the starting rotation when healthy.
Hill went 30-16 with a 3.16 ERA, 3.71 FIP and 1.08 WHIP in 69 games (68 starts) over parts of four seasons with the Dodgers. He joins Hyun-Jin Ryu in leaving the organization this winter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he not only anticipated more roster turnover this offseason compared to years past, but welcomed potential changes.
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