The Detroit Tigers thought they found the future of their outfield when they drafted Derek Hill with the 2014 draft's 23rd overall selection. The former top-100 prospect only ended up playing parts of three seasons in the Motor City before leaving to continue his MLB career, which hasn't gone as planned, and was just hit with another roadblock.
According to CBS Sports, the Miami Marlins designated Hill for assignment immediately after he was activated from the 10-day injured list. Fellow outfielder Griffin Conine needed a roster spot after returning from the 60-day IL, leaving the Marlins with no choice but to part ways with the ex-Tiger.
Former Tigers OF Derek Hill Continues to Struggle Finding a Home
A player's MLB journey can be filled with plenty of destinations, and Hill is no stranger to moving around in his career. The Des Moines, IA native has played games with four different big-league clubs since leaving Detroit when he was DFA'd in August 2022, splitting 119 appearances between the Marlins, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and San Francisco Giants.
Considering how he's yet to play 100 games in a single team's jersey, it's safe to say that Hill is the definition of an MLB journeyman. He's solid enough to continue landing opportunities, even if they don't last long, but he isn't talented enough to the point where a club wants to make him a long-term option. With his 30th birthday approaching in December, that isn't likely to change.
It'll be interesting to see if the ex-Tigers OF lands a new opportunity, either before the regular season is over or in the winter. He's only batting .213 with a .606 OPS, three home runs, 10 RBIs, nine walks, and seven stolen bases in 53 games this season, meaning any potential suitors will likely be a club looking to add a speedy pinch-runner. That isn't a bad job if he can land it, especially when considering his inability to hold a role.
At the end of the day, Hill's new free-agent status gives Tigers fans something else to monitor down the stretch. Detroit is on track to make some noise in the postseason, and catching up with a former player is a nice way to take a breather before the October excitement begins.