MLB Trade Deadline: 6 best pitching rentals available

Hill is far and away the best rental available, and one of the few pitchers on the market who could make the difference in a pennant race.

Oakland is just in the beginning stages of a long rebuild, as the team sits at 38-51 and is well out of contention for the second straight year. Gray will be the most discussed Oakland starter should he become available, but Hill figures to generate nearly as much interest.

One calendar year ago, that sentence would have seemed completely ridiculous. Hill bounced around the minors and Independent League ball for nearly a decade, with very few chances to pitch in the Majors before the Boston Red Sox gave him a chance late last season.

Hill was dominant over four four starts, earning him a one-year contract with the Athletics for 2016. Improbably, Hill has been terrific again, posting a 2.25 ERA (2.57 FIP) with 90 strikeouts in 76 innings according to FanGraphs.

There was some concern over a groin injury in June, but Hill has looked fine in two starts since returning. Hill has managed to generate enough strikes with a dominant curveball he throws on nearly 50 percent of his pitches, and opposing hitters are yet to adjust.

Every contender in need of pitching help should be interested in Hill, as he would be a meaningful upgrade for most clubs down the stretch.

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