Aaron Hill open to trade from D-backs; club may be willing to oblige

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Aaron Hill isn't ready to settle in as a bench warmer, even if that means he must be traded from the Diamondbacks. 

For its part, the team is open to trading Hill, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The news came after D-backs manager Chip Hale said Friday that Hill had lost his second base job to the younger Chris Owings and would begin the season backing up at second and third base. Owings is moving from shortstop to second to accommodate the younger Nick Ahmed.

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D-backs manager Chip Hale told reporters that "performance" was the key reason for the decision, according to the Arizona Republic. "I think we're ready to move on and move to a younger group." 

Hill was very good in 2012 and 2013, hitting a combined .298/.359/.501, but he batted just .244 in 133 games last season. His struggles continued this spring; he hit .189 in 53 Cactus League at-bats.

The 33-year-old Hill has two years and $24 million remaining on his contract. He was acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Blue Jays in 2011. 

Teams that have a need at second base, such as the Angels and Blue Jays, are seen as potential trade partners, although no deal appears close.

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