Timothy Hill Bio
Timothy Hill is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on February 10, 1990, Hill has built a resilient career across four MLB franchises after being selected in the 32nd round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. His journey to the majors included overcoming a significant health obstacle when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer during spring training in 2015, ultimately returning to professional baseball and establishing himself as a reliable left-handed reliever in MLB.
Early Life and Background
Timothy Hill grew up in Los Angeles, California, attending Granada Hills Charter High School in the San Fernando Valley. Despite his athletic potential, Hill went undrafted after graduating from high school, prompting him to continue his baseball development at the collegiate level. He began his post-secondary career at Palomar College, a junior college in San Marcos, California, where he continued refining his skills on the mound.
Hill later transferred to Bacone College, a four-year institution, where he made significant strides as a pitcher. During his senior season at Bacone, Hill demonstrated exceptional dominance on the mound, posting a remarkable 10-2 win-loss record accompanied by a stellar 1.89 earned run average (ERA). These impressive statistics caught the attention of professional scouts and ultimately led to his selection in the 2014 MLB Draft.
Path to Major League Baseball
Despite being selected in the 32nd round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, Hill faced an immediate and devastating setback. He missed the entire 2015 season while undergoing treatment for stage 3 colon cancer. During his battle with the disease, half of his colon was surgically removed, and he completed eight months of chemotherapy treatments. His father had previously died from colon cancer in 2006, and Hill himself has been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases cancer risk. Medical professionals cleared Hill to resume his baseball career in January 2016.
Hill displayed remarkable determination in his return to professional baseball. He spent 2016 and 2017 working his way through the Royals minor league system, pitching for the Wilmington Blue Rocks and Northwest Arkansas Naturals. His performance convinced the Royals to add him to their 40-man roster following the 2017 season, setting the stage for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
Timothy Hill Career
Kansas City Royals (2018–2019)
Hill achieved his lifelong dream when the Royals added him to their 25-man roster for the 2018 season. He made his MLB debut on Opening Day, March 29, 2018, entering the game in relief against the Chicago White Sox. In his debut appearance, Hill pitched one-third of an inning and hit the first batter he faced, Leury García. Despite the inauspicious start, Hill went on to finish the 2018 season with a 1-4 record and a 4.53 ERA across 45 and two-thirds innings pitched.
The 2019 season saw Hill establish himself as a more reliable option out of the Royals bullpen. He produced a 2-0 record with a 3.61 ERA over 39 and two-thirds innings of work. His improved performance attracted attention from other MLB organizations seeking left-handed relief help.
San Diego Padres (2020–2023)
On July 16, 2020, the Royals traded Hill to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Franchy Cordero and Ronald Bolaños. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Hill made 23 appearances for the Padres, recording a 3-0 win-loss record with a 4.50 ERA, 20 strikeouts, and only six walks across 18 innings pitched. His ability to limit baserunners proved valuable in high-leverage situations.
Hill became a key contributor to the Padres bullpen over the following seasons. In 2021, he appeared in 78 games, compiling a 6-6 record and 3.62 ERA with 56 strikeouts across 59 and two-thirds innings. His consistency earned him a one-year, $1.85 million contract renewal in January 2023. However, the 2023 season was interrupted when Hill missed a month with a sprained left ring finger. He returned briefly before landing on the injured list again on September 11, ultimately undergoing season-ending surgery on September 20 to clean up scar tissue. The Padres non-tendered Hill after the season, making him a free agent.
Chicago White Sox (2024)
Hill signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Chicago White Sox on December 28, 2023, looking to rebuild his value with a new organization. He struggled through 27 appearances early in the 2024 season, posting a 5.87 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 23 innings pitched. The White Sox designated Hill for assignment on June 12, 2024, and released him six days later on June 18.
New York Yankees (2024–Present)
Hill signed with the New York Yankees on June 20, 2024, joining the major league roster and wearing jersey number 41. The change of scenery proved transformative for the left-hander. In 35 appearances for the Yankees during the 2024 regular season, he recorded a career-low 2.05 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 44 innings pitched. His overall 2024 statistics showed a 4-0 record with a 3.36 ERA over 67 total innings.
Following the season, Hill became a free agent but quickly re-signed with the Yankees on February 8, 2025, agreeing to a one-year, $2.85 million contract with a $3 million club option for 2026. The 2025 season proved to be a career-defining year for Hill, as he posted a 3.09 ERA and led all Yankees pitchers with 70 appearances. His performance and inspiring story earned him the prestigious Tony Conigliaro Award after the season, recognizing his resilience and contribution to the sport.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hill operates primarily as a sidearm left-handed reliever, utilizing his unusual arm angle to generate deceptive movement on his pitches. His ability to induce ground balls and limit walks has made him particularly effective against left-handed hitters. Throughout his career, Hill has demonstrated the capacity to pitch multiple innings when needed, though his most valuable contributions have come in high-leverage situations requiring immediate outs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his on-field achievements, Hill’s most significant milestone remains his recovery from colon cancer in 2015-2016. His return to professional baseball and eventual establishment as an MLB contributor has made him an inspirational figure in the baseball community. The Tony Conigliaro Award, which he won following the 2025 season, is given annually to a player who has overcome adversity through spirit, determination, and courage. In March 2026, Hill received another honor when USA Baseball added him to the United States national team for the World Baseball Classic as a substitute for Ryan Yarbrough.
Timothy Hill Career Wins
Through the 2025 season, Timothy Hill has accumulated 27 career wins in Major League Baseball across his tenure with the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. His career win-loss record stands at 27-20 with a 3.86 earned run average and 291 total strikeouts.
New York Yankees Highlights
Hill’s tenure with the Yankees has represented the peak of his professional career. The 2024 season saw him achieve a career-low 2.05 ERA, and his 2025 campaign was even more impressive, as he led all Yankees pitchers in appearances with 70 and posted a 3.09 ERA. His performance helped solidify a Yankees bullpen that relied heavily on his consistency and durability throughout the season.
Other Wins and Performances
Hill’s early career wins came primarily with the Kansas City Royals, where he earned his first major league victory while going 1-4 during his 2018 debut season. His time with the San Diego Padres from 2020 to 2023 provided the bulk of his career wins, including a 6-6 record in 2021 and a 3-0 record during the shortened 2020 campaign.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record | 27-20 |
| Earned Run Average | 3.86 |
| Strikeouts | 291 |
| Years Active | 2018-Present |
Timothy Hill Family
Family Background and Health History
Hill’s family has been touched by cancer on multiple occasions. His father passed away from colon cancer in 2006, several years before Hill himself would face a similar diagnosis. The genetic connection became clearer when Hill was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer during spring training in 2015. Testing revealed that Hill carries Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of developing colon cancer and other malignancies. Despite these challenges, Hill has demonstrated extraordinary resilience in overcoming his health battles while pursuing his professional baseball career.
Personal Life
Following his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Hill became an advocate for cancer awareness and early screening. His journey from a 2015 diagnosis through eight months of chemotherapy to earning a spot in a major league bullpen has inspired many within and beyond the baseball community. Hill and his wife have built their life around his baseball career, with the couple frequently seen supporting the Yankees at various team events and community functions throughout the New York area.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a career renaissance for Timothy Hill with the New York Yankees. After signing a one-year, $2.85 million contract during the offseason, Hill reported to spring training in excellent condition and carried that momentum into the regular season. His 70 appearances led all Yankees pitchers, demonstrating the trust that manager Aaron Boone and the coaching staff placed in his abilities to handle high-leverage situations throughout the season.
Hill’s 3.09 ERA during the 2025 campaign ranked among the best of his career, and his ability to retire both left-handed and right-handed hitters made him a versatile weapon in the Yankees bullpen. His performance throughout the season drew praise from teammates and coaches alike, with particular emphasis on his consistency and professionalism. The synergy between Hill and his bullpen colleagues contributed to the Yankees’ success in close games throughout the summer months.
Following the conclusion of the regular season, Hill was honored with the Tony Conigliaro Award, a recognition that celebrates players who have overcome adversity through extraordinary spirit, determination, and courage. The award held special significance given Hill’s journey through colon cancer treatment to become one of the most reliable relievers in the American League. As Hill enters the final year of his current contract, the Yankees appear committed to his continued role in their bullpen architecture for the foreseeable future.