Braves, Royals interested in Aaron Hill

The Royals and Braves are among the teams interested in free agent infielder Aaron Hill, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Though the market for Hill has yet to develop, he has emerged as one of baseball’s more versatile infield pieces. He can play second and third base and shortstop, which could lead both Kansas City and Atlanta to consider adding him as a utility player.

Hill, 34, spent 2016 with the Brewers and Red Sox, batting .262/.336/.378 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs over 125 total games. However, he struggled after being sent to Boston, posting a .218/.287/.290 batting line over a span of 47 games.

Atlanta’s interest in Hill might just be for purposes of depth, because Sean Rodriguez and Jace Peterson will likely see time at second base next season. The Royals are in a similar position, with Cheslor Cuthbert and Mike Moustakas expected to compete for playing time at third base to complement several second base candidates.

Hill made $12 million last season and as a result could seek an equally valuable, short-term deal this offseason.