New York Mets shore up rotation by adding Rich Hill

Rich Hill has been one of the great stories in baseball over the past few years. Since a surprisingly dominant four game stint in 2015, he has become a solid part of a starting rotation, an occasionally dominant middle of the rotation arm. However, Hill has missed out on the ultimate prize, failing to win a World Series despite two treks to the Fall Classic.

Hill may well get a third chance. In a surprising move, the Rays have sent Hill to the New York Mets in exchange for reliever Tommy Hunter and minor league catcher Matt Dyer.

New York Mets add rotation depth with Rich Hill

This is a trade that the Mets needed to make. With Jacob deGrom on the Injured List, their rotation is thin at this point. Even with Carlos Carrasco starting his trek back to the majors, the Mets desperately need more quality arms for their starting rotation.

Hill may not be the force he was before, but he is still a solid arm. He has posted a respectable 3.87 ERA and a 1.164 WHiP over his 95.1 innings, striking out 91 batters with 36 walks. With a move to the NL East, he should be able to improve on those numbers, helping the Mets in their quest to reach the postseason.

However, there is reason for concern. While Hill dominated for a stretch, he has struggled over his past seven starts, posting a 5.40 ERA and a 1.500 WHiP in his last 33.1 innings. While he has struck out 28 batters, Hill has also issued 16 walks and seven homers while pitching into the sixth inning just twice.

Despite those concerns, Hill is a worthwhile gamble for the Mets. Their rotation at this point consists of Marcus Stroman, Taijaun Walker, and the hope that the bullpen will pull out a victory. Hill may not be the pitcher he had been during his impressive run at the start of the season, but he should still be enough to help a beleaguered Mets pitching staff.

The New York Mets needed help in their rotation. They have made their first move to improve the pitching staff by adding Rich Hill.