It was being widely reported late Saturday evening that 36-year-old / 12-year MLB veteran left-hander Rich Hill has been re-signed by the Dodgers for a three-year deal reportedly north of $40 million, perhaps even as much as $46-48 million.

As expected, the report – which was first reported on Twitter by veteran and highly credible MLB.com’s Peter Gammons – drew a variety of responses from Dodgers fans – some critical but most quite favorable.

The Boston, Massachusetts native and former fourth-round draft pick (by the Cubs in 2002) was acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline along with veteran outfielder Josh Reddick (both as rentals) in exchange for three of the Dodgers’ top right-handed pitching prospects – former first rounder Grant Holmes, near MLB-ready Jharel Cotton and MLB-ready Frankie Montas. Reddick was not re-signed by the Dodgers and was subsequently given a very generous four-year / $52 million free agent contract by the Houston Astros.

Although Hill was among the best starting pitchers in 2016 when acquired by the Dodgers (9-3, 2.25 ERA), he immediately came under fire by skeptical Dodger fans for a reoccurring blister on his left middle finger (he was actually on the disabled list when the Dodgers acquired him). As a result, he did not make his debut with his new team until August 24. He would, however, go on to post a 3-2 record and very impressive 1.83 ERA in his six starts for the Dodgers, including being pulled in the seventh inning of a perfect game on September 10 (against the Miami Marlins) after only 89 pitches. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts would later tell reporters that the move was precautionary because Hill’s left middle finger was beginning to “get hot.”

While many criticized the eventual 2016 NL Manager of the Year for his controversial decision, Hill would go on to pitch a remarkable two hit, 6-0 shutout against the eventual World Series champion Chicago Cubs in Game-2 of the NLCS, during which he struck out six and walked two in his six innings of work.

Hill calls his outing in Game-3 of the 2016 “The best of my career.”
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

If the three-year / $46-$48 million pending contract rumor is true, and there is every reason to believe that it is, Hill is looking at an average annual value (AAV) of $15.33 million to $16 million. That being said and given his age and recent health issues, one has to believe that his pending deal with the Dodgers (which had yet to be confirmed) will probably be heavily incentive-based.