With Yankees general manager Brian Cashman having recently described the bullpen as “our main priority, to be honest,” the club made its first move in that department on Sunday, bringing back left-hander Tim Hill.
A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Hill has agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract. The deal, which has not been confirmed by the club, includes a $2.5 million club option for 2028.
Hill, who will turn 37 in January, was 5-2 with two saves, a 4.60 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 67 appearances (58 2/3 innings) for the Yankees this past season.
The sidewinder led Major League relievers with a 68.9% ground-ball rate and stranded 33 of 35 inherited runners, pacing the Majors with a 5.7% inherited runners scoring percentage.
Hill previously pitched with the Royals (2018-19), Padres (2020-23) and White Sox (2024) before being claimed by the Yankees in 2024. In 172 appearances with New York, he has pitched to a 3.34 ERA.
The Yankees’ bullpen was a strength in 2026, posting a 3.13 ERA that ranked second in the Majors, but several key contributors have filed for free agency.
The club is waiting on word from closer David Bednar, who is mulling a qualifying offer worth $23.15 million, with that decision due on Tuesday.
Paul Blackburn, Ryan Yarbrough, John Schreiber and Michael Fulmer are among the club’s other free-agent relievers. The Yanks are believed to have reached out to representatives for Adrian Morejon and former Yankee Jonathan Loáisiga, among others.