Getting a starting pitcher has been the focus for the New York Mets this trade deadline. Recently, their desperation for a pitcher worsened this week culminating in the acquisition of Rich Hill. The Mets have used a MLB-leading 15 different starting pitchers this season. That number is soon to grow following Jacob deGrom and David Peterson being placed on the IL.
Hill was definitely not the starter Mets fans had on the deadline shortlist. The 17-year veteran has pitched for 11 teams in his career maintaining a 3.80 career ERA. Now he finds himself moving to Flushing to fill New York’s needs on the mound. In his last seven outings Rich Hill has a 5.40 ERA, a 5.92 FIP, and a 1.50 WHIP. Numbers that are certainly concerning. For the season Hill is 6-4 with a 3.87 ERA in 19 starts for the Rays this season.
New York gave up aging pitcher Tommy Hunter in the deal. As well as Double-A catcher Matt Dyer. Dyer the Mets 22-year-old fourth round draft pick is hitting .194 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs for Single-A St. Lucie this season. Hunter is possibly out for the rest of this season making the desperate deal easier to swallow.
If Rich Hill is the answer for the Mets, they have failed the trade deadline this year. New York is still speculated to be in conversations for other starting pitchers beyond Hill. After another subpar rehab start from Carlos Carrasco the need remains evident. We will also know more when Rich Hill takes the mound for the first time in a Mets uniform on the Sunday game against the Toronto Blue Jays, or in one of Monday’s doubleheader games against the Atlanta Braves.
While the move does reek of desperation, Rich Hill does give them security starts while deGrom, Carrasco, Peterson, and Syndergaard all rehab.
