Miami Marlins DFA Former 1st-Round Pick Outfielder

September 23, 2025 ,
Miami Marlins outfielder Derek Hill walks off the field during 2025 game.

The Miami Marlins shuffled their roster again this week, activating outfielder Derek Hill from the injured list only to designate him for assignment hours later. 

Hill, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain, returned following a three-game rehab stint at Triple-A Jacksonville but quickly found himself without a roster spot. The Marlins instead reinstated fellow outfielder Griffin Conine from the 60-day IL, leaving Hill as the odd man out.

Derek Hill heads to the waiver wire

Hill’s stint in Miami has been defined by defensive flashes and speed on the bases, but his bat never truly caught up. In 53 games this season, the 29-year-old posted a .213/.275/.331 slash line with three home runs, seven stolen bases, and 10 RBI over 141 plate appearances. 

Despite his glove and speed, strikeouts plagued him, as he went down on strikes in nearly one-third of his trips to the plate. With arbitration eligibility looming this winter, Miami’s front office chose to move on early rather than carry him into the offseason.

Originally claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants last year, Hill has battled through multiple injuries throughout his career. 

While his defense remains MLB-caliber, his offensive struggles made it difficult for him to stick on a roster. Unless another club takes a chance on his athleticism, Hill could finish the year as a free agent, looking for a minor league deal to extend his career into 2026.

Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

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