The New York Yankees have initiated their offseason strategy to retain bullpen depth by reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with reliever Tim Hill, according to reports.
The agreement also includes a $2.5 million club option for the 2028 season.
Although the team has not yet issued an official announcement, the move signals a clear intent to bolster the pitching staff following a season where several key relievers entered free agency.
General manager Brian Cashman recently emphasized that maintaining the bullpen unit is the team’s primary objective, as noted on MLB Network Radio.
Hill, who will turn 37 during next year’s spring training, recorded a 4.60 ERA over 58 2/3 innings last season.
While his total statistics were mixed, the sidearming left-hander proved effective against left-handed hitters, limiting them to a .213 batting average and a .611 OPS.
The organization views his high home run allowance as an outlier, according to The Athletic.
The club remains optimistic that Hill can return to his 2025 form, when he posted a 3.09 ERA.
Despite his exclusion from the wild-card and division series rosters last season due to performance concerns, the team continues to value his specific profile.
The Yankees are also actively exploring additional reinforcements for the relief corps.
The club is reportedly pursuing pitchers Adrián Morejón and Jonathan Loáisiga, as reported by MLB.com.
Hill brings nine seasons of major league experience to the roster, having previously pitched for the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox.
Throughout his career, he has maintained a 3.94 ERA while appearing in an average of 68 games per season.
As the offseason progresses, the Yankees look to build upon a bullpen that posted the second-best ERA in the league last year at 3.13.
The front office is balancing the retention of familiar arms with the pursuit of new talent to ensure continued success on the mound.