Fansided

Breaking down the best of what’s left in the MLB free-agent market

By Joshua Sadlock

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 07: Rich Hill #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on against the Washington Nationals in Game Four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 07: Rich Hill #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on against the Washington Nationals in Game Four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

11. Rich Hill

Set to turn 40 in March, left-hander Rich Hill wants to continue pitching in the big leagues and should eventually be able to find a spot in a contender’s rotation after recovering from elbow surgery. He may have to leave Los Angeles to do it, though, depending on which direction the Dodgers choose to go. Hill’s future as an MLB starter was cast into doubt when doctors found ligament damage after the season, but he elected to try and avoid Tommy John by undergoing primary revision surgery.

Hill’s surgery has a recovery time of up to eight months, which would put him on track to be ready to return to a mound by the end of June. His hope is to begin a throwing program in January and be able to show his progress to teams interested in signing him. He would certainly be worth a shot for a contender in need of pitching depth.

After making his shocking return to the big leagues at the end of 2015, Hill has strung together four solid seasons. He is 41-20 with a 2.91 ERA in 87 games and 466.1 innings since resurrecting his career in the independent leagues. Hill has also been strong in the postseason, giving the Dodgers a 2.70 ERA in 50 innings.

If Hill goes unsigned through the winter, he will make an intriguing target for teams when he is healthy. He will be returning to action close to the trade deadline, so teams could view him as a better option than giving up top prospects for a proven starter. Staying in Los Angeles seems to be his preference, but a potential return to Chicago or Boston could also be in the cards, as both teams need pitching and have limited payroll flexibility.

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