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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros fans cheer from the stands as New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) walks off the field after being talking out of the game in the fourth inning during game seven of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros fans cheer from the stands as New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) walks off the field after being talking out of the game in the fourth inning during game seven of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Falling short against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, the New York Yankees are now back into action. They have made some big moves in the free agent market; their latest signing has everyone buzzing—Tim Hill. Yes, the veteran is back in the Bronx for a one-year, $3 million club option for 2026. Now, this move seems fated and feels perfect for the team.
Hill’s return is something many saw coming, given that both the Yankees and Hill had a mutual interest all offseason. Other teams had shown interest in Hill, but he finally decided to stick with the team he believed in. So, Hill was released by the White Sox mid-year because he was struggling with a 5.87 ERA. He landed in the pinstripes, and things changed 360 degrees.
Hill had a 2.05 ERA over 35 games and 44 innings with the New York Yankees. In the postseason, he was a beast, finishing with a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings. He stepped up for the team that put their trust in him. Now, he is going to be with them for another year, as confirmed by Jeff Passan.
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Left-handed reliever Tim Hill and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $2.85 million contract that includes a club option for 2026, sources tell ESPN. Hill, 34, had a 2.05 ERA in 44 innings for New York last year. Option is for $3 million with $350K buyout.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 4, 2025
The New York Yankees’ coach seems to adore Tim Hill. He even compared Hill to the former Yankee player Wandy Peralta, calling him a “trustworthy, strike-throwing lefty” who delivers when needed. This is one of the reasons that fans were left wondering why Boone went with Nestor Cortes over Hill in Game 1 of the World Series. Then Cortes gave a walk-off grand slam to Freddie Freeman!
Now with Tim Hill in the lineup, the Yankees are really setting themselves up for a serious run for the World Series. Fans are already getting excited and feeling like it’s game on for the Bronx team.
It’s game on for the New York Yankees
An overjoyed Yankee fan mentioned, “Finally”, and it’s understandable why they are delighted. The team genuinely looks good; things at the beginning of the off-season looked kind of bleak with Juan Soto just going off to their rivals. The New York Mets did land the star; they so very much hoped to get it. But since then, the Yanks have made key signings and are a well-rounded team.
Not forgetting the heartbreak, one user mentioned, “World Series back on!” And it’s not just fans who are saying it; even former Yankee legends are. Yes, Derek Jeter recently came out to mention that his former team does look good. “Obviously, they fell a little bit short. But now they’re retooling and getting ready for this season,” said Jeter. Earlier, it was too Aaron Judge reliance heavy. Now with a well-rounded team, Judge would have some breathing room. Because other players can take charge.
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Echoing the same emotion, another commenter said, “WE ARE BACK.” Truly, Hill’s addition is crucial as the Yankees bullpen looks strong. They have made key changes to the group, from getting Devin Williams and even Fernando Cruz. The Yankees also went ahead and re-signed Jonathan Loaisiga. So while not all trumpet and loud moves, they have made some key moves this off-season. Tim Hill came in because he believed in the Yankee’s championship capability. His agent told the Daily News, “It’s a team he believes in. He wants to win a World Series.”
One fan wrote, “Cashman is doing something.” He sure was! Just a few days back, Cashman and Aaron Boone really came under the fan’s radar. Hal Steinbrenner had mentioned that an Aaron Boone contract extension is surely coming. This angered the fans because, under his wing, the New York Yankees were not able to win WS. The World Series loss this time, moreover, is still a sad highlight playing in Yankees fans’ heads.
Another comment read, “LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.” Truly, this is the enthusiasm the team needs to take on the next season. And by the way, they have tackled the off-season; they seem ready for revenge. But a key area that the team needs to tackle right now is third base. With the pitchers and catchers reporting soon for spring training, the competition for the hot corner includes DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza.
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Alex Bregman is also a third baseman who is still in the market. He would fit beautifully; however, his high AVV and long-term contract demand don’t sit well with Cashman. For now, the New York Yankees look like a solid team ready to take on the next season. Do you think they can win it this season? Let us know!
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With Tim Hill back, are the Yankees finally ready to reclaim their World Series glory?
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With Tim Hill back, are the Yankees finally ready to reclaim their World Series glory?
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