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The Arizona Diamondbacks locked up closer J.J. Putz through the 2014 season yesterday, and are wasting no time in moving on to their next extension candidate.
The club has had "preliminary discussions" with second baseman Aaron Hill about a new deal, and talks are expected to pick up speed soon, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic:
The Diamondbacks have had preliminary discussions with second baseman Aaron Hill about a contract extension, and CEO Derrick Hall said he expects more substantial talks to begin soon...
As far as I can tell, they’ve only gone so far as to determine mutual interest. They apparently haven’t talked much, if at all, about length or dollars yet.
Hall tells Piecoro that the two sides are both positive about working something out, and that the club would like to come to an agreement with Hill before the season begins in April.
Hill, 30, is owed $5.5 million in 2013, the second year of his standing two-year contract with the D'Backs.
Acquired from the Blue Jays in exchange for Kelly Johnson late in 2011, the second baseman has thrived in Phoenix. Hill batted .302/.360/.522 with 26 home runs and took home Silver Slugger honors at second base in 2012.
