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MLB free agency 2017: Top 25 free agents

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) celebrates after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Mets won 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) celebrates after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Mets won 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) pitches during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) pitches during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Rich Hill, SP

Hill’s revival over the past two seasons is nothing short of incredible. In 2015, he was pitching in semi-pro and independent leagues. The last-place Red Sox took a flier on him, and he has turned in two straight excellent seasons. The left-hander has made 24 starts over the past two years and has delivered a 2.00 ERA. His curveball is among the best in the league.

There have to be some big questions about Hill’s ability to sustain this level of performance into a third and fourth year. He is entering his age-37 season and was able to make only 20 starts in 2016 due to a groin injury and blister issues on his throwing hand. On the flip side, he is a pitcher with relatively little wear and tear on his arm after bouncing around in the minor leagues and MLB bullpens. Hill went over 100 innings in a full season for the first time since 2007 last year.

Hill will do much better than the one-year flier he got from the Oakland A’s last offseason. His best is much better than Jeremy Hellickson’s or Ivan Nova’s. The deal may not be as long for Hill, but the annual value will be up there.

Prediction — New York Yankees, three years, $45 million

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