Pittsburgh Pirates: Who they Have Scouted

36-year-old journeyman Rich Hill is having a career year for the Oakland Athletics. In 76 innings pitched Hill has a 2.25 ERA, 2.57 FIP, and a 3.60 xFIP. Furthermore, he has allowed just two home runs and is averaging 10.66 K/9. Rich Hill is a player that the Pittsburgh Pirates have been linked to in the very recent past. When Rich Hill started against the Pirates in Oakland on July 2nd, multiple teams scouted him that start including the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates also had scouts in attendance for Hill’s start on July 17th.  However, Hill did not make it out of the first inning due to a blister on his finger.  With that he is no to be considered an injury liability and will be fine for his next start most likely.

Hill maybe the most expensive rental pitcher on the market.  He is a free agent at the end of the year and he is on a one year, six million dollar deal.  The A’s are going to be able to demand a high price for him, one that will likely be to high for the Pirates to meet.

Next: A Lefty in Tampa