The Diamondbacks are still trying to trade second baseman Aaron Hill, but they’re having trouble as the free agent market still offers some better options including Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins, and Ian Desmond, as Jon Heyman noted on Twitter.
Hill, 34 in March, will earn $12 million this season in the final year of his three-year contract with the D-Backs. He hit a meager .230/.295/.345 with six home runs and 39 RBI in 353 plate appearances last season, the second season in a row in which he was hampered by injuries and posted subpar numbers. The D-Backs wouldn’t expect much in return, even if they cover most or all of his remaining salary.
Moving Hill would allow the Diamondbacks to pursue an upgrade at second base, potentially one of the three aforementioned free agents. Kendrick and Desmond both turned down qualifying offers, so the club would have to forfeit an unprotected first round draft pick.