Mets News: New York Closing in on Rich Hill Trade Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

The injury bug has been nasty to the New York Mets this season, especially when it comes to their starting pitchers. With six starters on the injured list, the Mets desperately need help on the mound and Tampa Bay Rays lefty Rich Hill could be the guy to give them a hand.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray on Friday, sources indicate that the Mets are "close to acquiring" Hill from the Rays. The deal will reportedly see New York sending RHP Tommy Hunter (currently on the 60-day injured list) and Low-A catcher Matt Dyer back to Tampa Bay.

New York Mets Rumors

Even at 41 years old, Hill has been a solid starter for the Rays this season. He's 6-4 through 19 starts and has pitched to a 3.87 ERA and 1.164 WHIP while averaging 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. While trading a player of that caliber might be surprising, Hill has a 5.30 ERA over his last four starts and could be seen as replaceable considering Tampa Bay's other options.

After losing six of their last nine games, this was a trade that the Mets needed to make. Their NL East lead is down to 4.0 games over the Phillies, so there's definitely a need to create more separation between the teams. While Hill can't play every game, he'll be someone that New York can rely on until the rest of their rotation heals up.

The Mets currently have +1000 odds to win the 2021 World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. That puts them in a three-way tie with the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres for fourth-best odds across the league.

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