Nick Piecoro is reporting that one of the best second base options has been taken off of the free agent market with the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly signing Aaron Hill to a two-year deal. The deal is rumored to be over $10 million and removes an infield option for several teams who are hurting up the middle. Last season, Hill turned his season around in a short stint in Arizona, so it's no surprise he re-upped there after hitting .315 in 33 games after being traded over to the NL from the Toronto Blue Jays.
↵Hill's departure leaves a lot less and it's possible the Royals will want to bring in a second base option if they don't believe that prospect Johnny Giavotella is ready yet. He had a rough entrance into the major leagues, but Giavotella has hit at every level, so he deserves the chance to grow into the role. But given that Lorenzo Cain is also going to be given every chance in center, the Royals can't afford to have too many prospects going through growing pains if they want to remain competitive.