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One rumored SF Giants target is already off the board after re-signing with Yankees

He returns to New York
ByJeff Young
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Sep 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Tim Hill (41) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Tim Hill (41) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The SF Giants were among the teams interested in veteran reliever Tim Hill. You can cross him off the list, as he re-signed with the New York Yankees on a one-year deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Hill is scheduled to earn $2.25 million in 2027. The Yankees hold a $2.5 million club option on him for the 2028 season.

The Giants plan to upgrade the bullpen this offseason, and Hill has generally been an effective reliever throughout his nine-year career. The Giants are also extremely light on left-handed bullpen depth. Sam Hentges is currently the No. 1 option, and his 2026 campaign was a mixed bag.

While the surface-level numbers, including a 3.19 ERA in 45 appearances, were solid, Hentges struggled to throw strikes and was ineffective against left-handed hitters. That latter detail feels like an outlier, as he has typically been effective in same-sided matchups.

SF Giants were seemingly on the right path with Tim Hill, but will need to look elsewhere

That said, the Giants need to upgrade the left side of the bullpen. Hill is not necessarily an upgrade over Hentges, but he continues to be effective as a situational lefty. In 2026, he posted a 4.60 ERA, 5.93 FIP, 1.14 WHIP, 3.8 K.9, and a 1.92 SO/W rate. This includes an extremely high and likely unsustainable 30.8 percent HR/FB rate.

Hill does not overpower hitters with velocity, but he throws from an extremely low arm slot, resulting in a lot of weak contact. He recorded a 68.8 percent ground ball rate in 2026.

The southpaw pitcher's overall numbers were not that strong in 2026, but he limited left-handed hitters to a .611 OPS in 137 plate appearances.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians were among the other potential suitors for Hill. Despite a down year, he had no shortage of interest, including from clubs that are viewed as some of the best in pitching development and acquisition.

The Giants were seemingly on the right path, but there are plenty of left-handed relievers available on the open market. If they are targeting another funky delivery, then Hoby Milner checks that box. Reuniting with Steven Okert would also strengthen that side of the bullpen.

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