AL West: Rangers, Astros among teams after Rich Hill

Within a year and a half, Rich Hill has gone from a small time pitcher bouncing around the minors to one of the most sought after arms on the market? Who is going after the veteran so intensely? According to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com, the Yankees, Rangers, Dodgers, and Astros are hot on Hill’s trail.

Hill started 2016 on the Athletics, making his way over to Los Angeles with Josh Reddick in mid July. Despite being injured for a chunk of the season, the soon-to-be-37-year old put up solid numbers, finishing the season with a 2.12 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 20 starts. Let the bidding war begin.

Here’s what else is happening around the American League Central:

Jeff Bagwell is making his seventh return to the Hall of Fame ballot. Hopefully the former Astros first baseman can seal the deal, he’s in good company with the 2017 class.

The Mariners have dealt Alex Jackson, who was the 6th overall pick in the 2014 draft, and a player to be named later to the Braves.

Rough Hump Day? May the musical stylings of Barry Zito put your mind at ease. Just please do not take a nap at your desk.

The Angels have a new 4th outfielder. His name is Ryan LaMarre and yes, we are aware that we typed “outfielder”. Don’t remember LaMarre and his appearance on the mound? Oh boy. It was a good one.

The Athletics are more than likely going to shed Sonny Gray this offseason. However, the perfect trade partner that was the Braves may not be so perfect after all.