UPDATE: The White Sox have officially announced the signing of left-handed reliever Tim Hill to a one-year, $1.8 million contract. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Declan Cronin has been designated for assignment.
After trading Aaron Bummer earlier this offseason, the White Sox have found a new left-handed reliever.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the White Sox have signed left-handed reliever Tim Hill to a one-year, $1.8M contract. Credit should also go to James Fox of FutureSox, who reported yesterday that the White Sox were close to signing a left-handed reliever following the signing of Martin Maldonado.
Hill, 33, was non-tendered by the San Diego Padres this offseason after going 1-4 with a 5.48 ERA in 44.1 innings last season. A six-year major league veteran, Hill has pitched with both the Royals and Padres, posting a 4.16 career ERA. He was at his best from 2021-2022, going 9-6 with a 3.59 ERA in 107.2 innings over those two seasons.
Hill is very much a Bummer-esque pitcher who specializes in ground balls. He has ranked in the 95th percentile or higher in GB% in each of the past three seasons, posting a 63.5 GB% last season. He features a four-pitch mix (fastball, sinker, slider, cutter) with his sinker and fastball unsurprisingly serving as his main two pitches.
With the White Sox’s focus on improved defense this offseason, Hill should have a chance to bounce back in the latter portion of his career. As Passan mentioned, look for the southpaw to see plenty of action in the upcoming 2024 season.
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With a vastly improved infield defense he should do well with the Sox. Possible double play balls will be double plays with the guys signed. And with smarter pitch selection behind the plate there will be more opportunities like that.