Report: Rays agree to 1-year deals with pitchers Hill, McHugh

The Tampa Bay Rays added a pair of experienced arms to their pitching staff on Friday.

Left-hander Rich Hill has agreed to a contract with the Rays, a source told Robert Murray of FanSided. Hill's deal is for one year and $2.5 million, a source told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

Tampa Bay also agreed to a one-year, $1.8-million deal with righty Collin McHugh, a source told Topkin.

Both agreements are pending physicals.

Hill, who turns 41 next month, spent last season - his 16th in the majors - with the Minnesota Twins. He was a key contributor to the AL Central champions' rotation despite missing some time with a shoulder issue, posting a 3.03 ERA, 3.99 FIP, and 1.16 WHIP with 31 strikeouts over eight starts.

Hill will presumably replace the departed Charlie Morton as Tampa Bay's experienced veteran hurler, slotting into the No. 2 spot behind Tyler Glasnow.

The Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Mets were also reportedly interested in Hill.

McHugh, meanwhile, didn't pitch last season. He was originally in camp with Boston before opting out in July because of arm issues. The 33-year-old last appeared in the majors with the Houston Astros in 2019, producing a 4.70 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 82 strikeouts and 30 walks across 35 appearances (eight starts).

McHugh has spent significant time in both a rotation and the bullpen during his eight-year career. His best season came in 2018 when he was a critical part of Houston's bullpen. Tampa Bay is known for its non-traditional use of pitchers, and McHugh could see time in both roles.

Hill and McHugh are the latest new additions to the Rays' revamped staff, joining right-handers Michael Wacha and Chris Archer, who signed earlier this offseason.