ARIZONA – Derek Hill was the 23rd overall pick by the Detroit Tigers in the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. Hill battled some injuries in his early days while playing in the minor leagues before making his Major League debut on September 4, 2020.
Derek Hill Injured on April 18th
Through the first 20 games with the Miami Marlins in 2025 he has played centerfield exclusively but his ability to play all three outfield positions throughout his career has made him valuable to all five organizations that he has played in. Hill unfortunately landed on the injured list again on April 18th and will once again have to rebound from another physical setback.
Whether it is a minor league game or preferably a Major League game Hill knows what he needs to do on a day-to-day basis.
“You’re a professional for a reason, you’re getting paid to go out there, and you should give one hundred and ten percent every single day” Hill told MLBbro.com.
Hill has seen Major League playing time for five different organizations and knows that while things change, they also stay the same.
Derek Hill Is The Ultimate Journeyman Pro: Torii Hunter Fan
“I guess this is my 12th season playing professional baseball, so I pretty much know everybody in the league” he joked about a career that has crossed paths with hundreds of players.
“It’s still all baseball. Different philosophies happen. We had a different philosophy going into last year then we have this year, and we love it” the 29-year-old told MLBbro.com about the camaraderie and culture that this team has and is building despite the slow start.
Many current big leaguers usually have a few favorites they speak about when asked who they liked over the years. Derek Hill had just one player on his list, and it was a popular centerfielder. “Torii Hunter was my go-to guy. He’s still my favorite player” he mentioned.
Derek Hill’s Life Has Changed: Married With Kids
Hill got married in January of 2024 and really enjoys building his foundation outside of the game.
“There’s nothing better than having someone who supports and understands what you do. It can be a lonely road out there” the newlywed spoke of family life. “We just had a baby girl, and it adds to the fun and helps with the focus” Hill told MLBbro.
His life off the field has definitely changed.
“I was playing a lot of video games, but now it’s changing diapers and feeding bottles,” Hill concluded with MLBbro.
Hill has shifted teams multiple times but his true professionalism has kept him in the game for a long time and hopefully will keep him in a Marlins uniform for some years to come. The sprained left wrist shouldn’t keep Hill out of the lineup for too long and maybe it’s a necessary re-set for a guy hitting .167. Hill’s injury stint also means more playing time for fellow MLBbro Dane Myers, who will see more grass in centerfield because of his absence.
