Derek Hill – Miami Marlins Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Derek Hill has quietly made a name for himself as a versatile outfielder in Major League Baseball. Now with the Miami Marlins, Hill brings speed and defensive chops to the field, though his financial profile stays pretty modest compared to a lot of his MLB peers.

Derek Hill’s salary is $831,000 on a one-year deal with the Marlins, and his net worth sits at around $3.4 million after several seasons as a pro.

At 29, Hill started his journey when the MLB draft called his name in the first round. He signed a deal with a $2 million signing bonus, choosing to chase pro baseball instead of heading to the University of Oregon for college ball.

That first big paycheck gave him a solid foundation, but his earnings have grown steadily with each new contract.

Hill’s value goes way beyond his bank account. His defense in the outfield has kept him in the majors—even when he’s had some rough patches at the plate.

Now with the Marlins, his financial situation kind of mirrors what a lot of MLB players experience: they bring important skills, but their salaries still land far below the league’s big earners.

Early Life and Education

Derek Hill’s path to the big leagues started with a supportive family and a knack for sports that showed up early. He grew up in an environment that really nurtured both his education and his athletic side.

Childhood and Family Background

Derek Jerome Hill was born on December 30, 1995, in Sacramento, California. His dad, Orsino Hill, played in the Cincinnati Reds’ minor league system, so baseball was already in his blood.

Growing up in California meant Derek could play baseball all year. That warm weather gave him a chance to work on his skills practically nonstop.

His parents made sure he focused on school and sports, giving him a pretty balanced upbringing. As a kid, Derek already showed off that speed and coordination—traits that would end up defining his career.

By age 10, he was already turning heads in youth leagues, especially as a center fielder with a natural feel for defense.

High School Football Career

At Elk Grove High School, Derek played both baseball and football at first. On the football field, he stood out as a wide receiver, using his speed to break away from defenders.

Even with his football talent, baseball always pulled him in more. Those football skills—like quick reactions and hand-eye coordination—helped him on the diamond too.

By his junior year, Derek decided to focus only on baseball, thinking he had real pro potential there. That choice let him really dig into his baseball development at a crucial time.

His coaches noticed his work ethic—he’d stick around after practice just to work on his defense and his swing.

College Years and Achievements

Derek had plenty of college offers from Division I schools, but he never went. The Detroit Tigers picked him in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft, straight out of high school.

That draft spot made him one of the top outfielders picked that year, showing scouts really believed in his raw talent.

Instead of college, Derek got his real education in the Tigers’ minor league system. He moved through teams like the West Michigan Whitecaps (A), Erie SeaWolves (AA), and Toledo Mud Hens (AAA).

During those years, he worked a lot on his hitting approach but always kept his standout defense in center field.

Professional Career

Derek Hill’s pro baseball story kicked off with that first-round draft pick and has taken him through a few different organizations. He’s built a reputation for defense and has kept working on his bat along the way.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Detroit Tigers picked Derek Hill in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft, straight out of Elk Grove High School. Scouts loved his speed and defense—he really stood out for those tools.

After the draft, Hill signed with the Tigers and started the climb through their minor league system. He made stops with several affiliates, including Erie SeaWolves in Double-A, where he kept sharpening his defense and working on his swing.

He did run into some injury issues in the minors, which slowed down his path to the majors a bit.

Teams Played For

Derek finally made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on September 4, 2020. That was a huge moment—he’d reached the big leagues at last.

With Detroit, he showed off his defensive skills in center field, though his offense was still a work in progress.

After his time with the Tigers, Hill moved to the Miami Marlins, where he’s now an outfielder. The move to Miami gave him a fresh shot at regular playing time.

His ability to play multiple outfield spots has made him a useful piece for both teams—he can cover a ton of ground and make those tough catches look easy.

Key Matches and Milestones

Over his career, Hill’s had some memorable moments that really show off his athleticism. He got his first major league hit soon after debuting, which was a big deal for him.

He’s especially known for his defense—tracking down fly balls that most guys wouldn’t even get close to. Those plays have landed him on highlight reels and earned him respect from teammates and coaches.

In 2023, Hill showed some progress as a hitter while still playing top-notch defense. He’s currently earning an annual salary of $831,000 with the Marlins, which reflects his status as a solid MLB player with a defensive edge.

He’s still working to put it all together—if he can keep improving offensively, his value will only go up.

Contract Details and Salary History

Derek Hill’s financial journey in MLB has followed the path of a developing pro. He’s moved from rookie contracts to better deals as he’s gained experience.

Rookie Contract and Initial Earnings

Hill started his pro career after being drafted 23rd overall by the Tigers in 2014. He got about $2 million as a signing bonus, which was his first big payday.

His rookie contract followed the usual MLB rules for first-rounders, so the Tigers kept him under control for a few years at pretty standard salaries while he worked his way up.

Early on, Hill earned minor league salaries that ranged from $1,100 to $2,150 a month, depending on the level. Those years were really about investing in his future, for both him and the team.

Contract Extensions and Bonuses

Once Hill made it to the majors, his pay jumped. In 2021, he got the MLB minimum salary with the Tigers.

His latest contract is a clear step up. Records show Hill signed a one-year, $831,000 deal with the Marlins, and the full amount is guaranteed.

His salary history really tracks with how most MLB players develop—his current deal is about 15% higher than in previous years, which shows the Marlins see potential in him.

Performance bonuses in his contracts usually tie to things like plate appearances, defensive stats, and awards.

Comparison With Peers

Compared to other outfielders with similar experience, Hill’s $831,000 salary puts him in the middle of the pack.

Outfielders with 2-4 years of MLB service average about $1.2 million, so Hill’s a bit below that but still has room to grow.

Other first-rounders from his draft year have landed bigger deals, especially if they became everyday starters, sometimes getting $5-10 million a year.

Hill’s net worth is estimated at $3,397,851, based on his career earnings so far. That’s a pretty good spot compared to most pro athletes, even if it’s nowhere near the top MLB earners.

Derek Hill’s Net Worth and Financial Insights

Derek Hill has built a modest financial portfolio through his years in baseball. Most of his money comes from MLB contracts, though his net worth has gone up and down as he’s moved between the majors and minors.

Estimated Net Worth Over Time

Right now, Derek Hill’s net worth sits at about $3,397,851, reflecting his earnings since the Tigers drafted him in 2014. Even with plenty of time in the minors, he’s managed steady financial growth.

His current deal with the Marlins is worth $831,000 for one year, which is up from his previous salary of around $720,000. That’s a nice jump as he’s gotten more established in MLB.

His net worth includes:

• MLB salaries
• Minor league paychecks
• That first-round signing bonus
• Performance incentives

Major Endorsements and Investments

Hill’s endorsement deals are pretty limited compared to the big-name MLB stars. As a utility outfielder mostly known for his defense, he hasn’t landed any massive national endorsements to boost his income.

His investment approach seems pretty conservative—there’s no public info about major business ventures or big real estate moves. That’s not unusual for players at his stage; most are focused on financial security rather than risky investments.

He probably works with financial advisors who understand athletes’ unique needs, helping him plan for life after baseball. That’s a smart move, honestly, since pro sports careers can be pretty short.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Off the field, Derek Hill keeps things balanced, focusing on fitness, community involvement, and just maintaining a positive image. His interests and activities show there’s more to him than just baseball.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Derek Hill has put some effort into giving back through different community initiatives. While there aren’t tons of details about his charitable work out there, he’s joined in on team-run community events with both the Tigers and Marlins.

Athletes like Hill often get involved in local outreach, like youth baseball clinics or hospital visits. It’s a way to connect with fans and make a difference where they play.

The Marlins outfielder keeps a pretty low profile about his philanthropy—he seems to prefer making an impact quietly. Most of his community work lines up with team programs, usually focusing on youth and health causes.

Media Presence and Public Image

Hill keeps a pretty modest media presence, especially when you compare him to some of his flashier teammates.

He’s built his image around professionalism and healthy living, often sharing fitness tips and workout routines on his socials.

Fans get to peek into his training routines and catch the occasional personal moment, but he usually draws a clear line between his private life and what he shows online.

That balance lets him stay focused on his game, but he doesn’t totally shut out supporters either.

Most media coverage sticks to his baseball performance, not what he does off the field.

He really seems to prefer keeping things professional as he’s moved from Detroit to Texas, and now to the Miami Marlins.

During interviews, Hill sounds articulate and always puts the team first.

He reinforces his reputation as a disciplined athlete who cares about his craft and his well-being.