Report: Arizona Diamondbacks trying to trade Aaron Hill
Apr 4, 2015, 11:52 PM | Updated: 11:53 pm
As the 2015 season opener approaches the Arizona Diamondbacks are settling on their 25-man roster.
Friday, manager Chip Hale announced that Chris Owings would be the starter at second base while defensive standout Nick Ahmed will be the opening day shortstop.
That leaves veteran Aaron Hill on the bench. Unless Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports’ tweet is correct.
La Russa told #DBacks beat writers that team might not set roster until tomorrow. One thing team is still trying to do: Trade Aaron Hill.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 3, 2015
Hill, 33, came to the D-backs midway through the 2011 season in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. He enjoyed an excellent first full season in Arizona in 2012 when he hit .302 with 26 home runs and 85 RBI, while hitting for the cycle twice in a two-week span.
The 11-year veteran hit just .244 in 133 games last season and struggled this spring, hitting just .189 and slugging .232 in 53 Cactus League at-bats.
The Diamondbacks were able to trade another veteran Thursday, sending Trevor Cahill to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for prospect Josh Elander. They also agreed to pay Atlanta around $6.5 million toward the remaining $12 million on Cahill’s contract.
If D-backs GM Dave Stewart was able to find a trade partner for Hill, it’s likely the team would have to chip in some cash toward Hill’s contract. He has two years and $24 million remaining on a three-year, $35 million deal signed prior to the 2013 season.
Hill said he’s open to a trade:
At same time, Hill spoke highly of Owings, Ahmed. Said he's a team guy. “It doesn’t affect me or my relationship with these guys,” he said.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 4, 2015
At same time, Hill spoke highly of Owings, Ahmed. Said he's a team guy. “It doesn’t affect me or my relationship with these guys,” he said.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 4, 2015
