Yankees lock in Tim Hill for 2026 as bullpen retooling gets underway

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees made their first official move of the offseason Wednesday by exercising Tim Hill’s $3 million club option for 2026. The decision signals the start of a bullpen overhaul after the relief unit struggled for much of 2025.

Hill returns as one of the most frequently used pitchers on the roster. Since the Yankees claimed him off waivers from the Chicago White Sox during the 2024 season, no reliever on the team has appeared in more games. The left-hander has pitched 105 times in pinstripes across parts of two seasons, earning trust from the coaching staff because of his durability and his ability to induce ground balls.

Most durable arm in the pen

In 2025, Hill appeared in 70 games for the Yankees. He posted a 3.09 ERA, the second-best mark among the team’s relievers. He became a steady presence in a bullpen that ranked near the bottom of Major League Baseball. The club finished 23rd in bullpen ERA, a number that exposed depth issues all year.

Hill’s value comes from his ability to get hitters to put the ball on the ground. His ground ball rate of 64.8 percent ranked second among all major league relievers this season. The only pitcher ahead of him was Philadelphia closer Jhoan Duran. That ability helped the Yankees escape trouble in high-pressure situations, particularly with runners on base.

Hill has delivered in October as well. Across 11 1/3 postseason innings with the Yankees over the past two years, he has allowed only one run. The team views that playoff track record as proof that he can handle tight spots when the season is on the line.

Growing concerns about platoon splits

The Yankees will have to manage one clear challenge going into 2026. Hill’s effectiveness is becoming increasingly tied to matchups.

Left-handed hitters were nearly shut down by Hill last season. They posted only a .444 OPS against him, making him one of the tougher lefty specialists in the league. Right-handed batters, however, fared much better. They produced an .836 OPS and collected 35 hits off him. Fourteen of those hits went for extra bases.

These splits point to a shift in how Hill may be used. Rather than pitching full innings, he may become a matchup specialist deployed to retire tough left-handed batters. Manager Aaron Boone will need to limit his exposure to right-handed power hitters in key spots.

Critical decisions loom on tender deadline

The club option for Hill is only the opening move. The Yankees face a series of decisions ahead of the November 21 arbitration tender deadline. General manager Brian Cashman must determine which arms will be part of the bullpen core in 2026.

David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Fernando Cruz are expected to receive contract tenders. Those three relievers are anticipated to form the back end of the bullpen. Decisions remain less clear on Mark Leiter Jr. and Jake Bird. Their roster futures are uncertain and could be determined by what other moves the Yankees make.

The team must also replace relievers who departed through free agency. Devin Williams and Luke Weaver are both on the open market. Their exits leave gaps late in games that Cashman will need to fill.

Bullpen overhaul tops offseason agenda

Cashman has identified bullpen improvements as a major priority. He has already begun restructuring the relief corps, using Hill’s option as the first step. The Yankees must find pitchers who can consistently handle late innings to support Bednar, who is expected to close.

The free agent market contains several high-leverage relievers. The Yankees have financial flexibility to explore those options. Cashman has shown a willingness to build bullpens through trades and free agency rather than relying only on internal development.

Hill’s return strengthens the group, but the Yankees still need more reliable arms who can pitch in the seventh and eighth innings. With Hill having platoon limitations, the front office will look for relievers who are effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.

Building for October success

Championship ambitions require a dependable bullpen, and recent playoff shortcomings have made that point clear. Hill has shown he can handle postseason pressure, but the Yankees cannot lean on one reliever to carry the load.

The Yankees front office wants to blend proven veterans with young arms who can help in the future. The team has several minor league relievers with upside, but relying on prospects presents risk. The club’s goal is to build a bullpen that can survive the wear of a six-month regular season and remain strong for October.

Hill fits that picture. His game suits Yankee Stadium. Ground balls reduce the chances of home runs, which is vital in a ballpark that rewards fly balls. At $3 million, the option carries strong value for a reliever who pitched more than 70 games and kept his ERA near 3.00.

Next steps for Yankees front office

The Yankees enter a critical phase of the offseason. Cashman will look for upgrades through multiple avenues. Trade discussions will pick up across the league as clubs attempt to adjust payrolls. The Yankees have prospect depth if they find the right trade partner.

International free agency is also an option. Relievers from Japan, Korea and the Cuban leagues have made immediate MLB impacts in recent years. Cashman has found bullpen help overseas before. He may revisit that market if domestic prices rise.

Hill’s return gives the bullpen stability, but it is only one piece of a much larger plan. The Yankees will likely add multiple arms before spring training. How aggressive they are will determine if the bullpen transforms from a weakness into a strength.

The Yankees understand the urgency. With Aaron Judge in his prime and a demanding fan base expecting postseason success, the front office cannot afford to misfire. Hill’s option is just the beginning. The real test will be how quickly and effectively the Yankees complete rebuilding a bullpen that failed them last season.

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