Yankees' Interest in Tim Hill Highlights Risks of Aging Specialists
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Reports indicate the New York Yankees are considering a return for lefty Tim Hill despite a significant regression in 2026.
The New York Yankees are exploring options to bolster their bullpen during a quiet first week of the MLB offseason, as Sports Illustrated first reported. Reporting indicates the team has extended a qualifying offer to David Bednar and has expressed strong interest in re-signing setup man Paul Blackburn and long reliever Ryan Yarbrough.
However, the Yankees have also shown interest in bringing back 36-year-old lefty specialist Tim Hill, despite leaving him off the playoff roster last year. While Hill's tenure began with success after being signed by Matt Blake in 2024, Sports Illustrated reports that the pitcher suffered a significant regression in 2026.
According to Sports Illustrated, Hill's effectiveness against right-handed batters plummeted in 2026, with those hitters slashing .293/.365/.543 and hitting seven home runs in 104 plate appearances. The outlet notes that Hill was among the 20 worst pitchers in nearly every category against right-handed hitters within that sample size. While he remains effective against left-handed hitters, Sports Illustrated reports he was dead last in fWAR among relief pitchers last year and has seen a decline in chase rates and quality-of-contact metrics.