Former Tigers first-round pick outrighted by Rangers, elects free agency, then re-signs

Former Detroit Tigers center fielder Derek Hill is now a free agent.

Hill was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers seven days ago. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock. He then exercised his right to become a free agent. On Friday, he re-signed with the Rangers on a new contract.

Hill was hitting .333 (43-for-129) with 10 doubles, four triples and eight home runs with Round Rock before getting a promotion to the big leagues in May.

Hill, 28, was picked by the Tigers in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2014 draft. Known for his blazing speed and exceptional defense, he made his MLB debut in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and played in spurts over the next two seasons.

He was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners after being designated for assignment by the Tigers in 2022 and spent the remainder of the season with the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate. He signed a minor-league contract with Washington before the 2023 season. Hill got 50 plate appearances with the Nationals’ big-league club but spent most of last year with Triple-A Rochester.

Hill signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers in December.