The defending AL Central champion Minnesota Twins have added two veteran starting pitchers - Homer Bailey and Rich Hill. Each signed one year contracts worth $7 million and $3 million, respectively. Incentives could take Hill's salary up to $9.5 million.
Bailey, 33, enjoyed a renaissance 2019 season which he split between the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland A's. His 13 wins in 2019 tied his career best which he attained back in 2012. A year ago, it seemed Bailey's career was over. In 2018, Bailey went 1-14 with a 6.09 ERA in 20 starts with the Cincinnati Reds. Last off-season, the Reds dealt Bailey to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood in a deal that didn't bear fruit for either club. The Dodgers quickly released Bailey and the Royals took a chance on him. Bailey pitched well enough in K.C. to draw interest from the A's shortly after the All-Star break and would win 6 of his 9 decisions with the club en route to an AL Wild Card berth. Bailey will give the Twins innings in 2020.
The same cannot be said of Hill who had elbow surgery in October. Hill, 39, was limited to 13 starts with the Dodgers in 2019, but went 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA striking out 72 in 58 2/3 innings pitched. Hill could help the Twins down the stretch as might Michael Pineda. But whether Hill and Bailey can make up for the departure of Kyle Gibson remains to be seen. Let's put it this way. Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez will make more impact on their AL Central rival Chicago White Sox than Homer Bailey and Rich Hill will for the Twins.
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