Padres Free Agent Reliever Agrees to Join White Sox on One-Year Deal

Another Padres player heads to the AL Central.

San Diego Padres free agent reliever Tim Hill has agreed to a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Chicago White Sox for next season. Jeff Passan of ESPN was the one to break the news of the agreement.

Left-handed reliever Tim Hill and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $1.8 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Hill, 33, was nontendered by San Diego this winter and joins a White Sox bullpen where he’ll get plenty of higher-leverage opportunities and innings.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 28, 2023

The veteran left-hander spent the last four seasons with the Padres, becoming one of their more relied-upon bullpen options. He struggled last season, posting an ERA of 5.48 over 58 games. 

Hill was non-tendered by the Padres in November after the tough season. 

His best season with San Diego came in 2022 when he posted a record of 3-0 and an ERA of 3.56. In the 55 games, Hill only allowed one home run and showed the ability to get out of big spots for the team.

Over six seasons in Major League Baseball, Hill owns a career ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.30. Before joining the Padres, he spent his first two years with the Kansas City Royals.

Hill now heads back to the AL Central and will be given the chance to have a big role with the White Sox. Chicago has needed more help in their bullpen, and Hill brings plenty of experience to the table.