Rich Hill appeared in his 21st Major League season by pitching for the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old signed a Minor League contract with the Royals back in May and made his 2025 debut against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The Royals are the 14th different team Hill has played for in his career, tying him with reliever Edwin Jackson for the most in MLB history. Hill also became the oldest active player in the Majors, taking the distinction from the 42-year-old Justin Verlander.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had Hill from 2016-2019 and is not surprised he is back in the Majors.
“Good for Richie. Good story. He can’t quit the game,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers acquired Hill in a trade with the Oakland Athletics during Roberts’ first season at the helm. The left-hander helped the team capture the National League West crown with a 1.83 ERA in six starts.
Looking back on the four seasons managing Hill, Roberts had nothing but positive things to say.
“I just remember he loves baseball, loves his teammates, great competitor. Just loves competing. It was great to have Rich on our ballclub,” Roberts said.
“Like I said, one of the really, really good competitors I’ve been around.”
Hill’s contract expired at the end of the 2016 season, and the Dodgers rewarded him with a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency. During his time with the Dodgers, Hill compiled a 30-16 record with a 3.16 ERA and 427 strikeouts in 69 appearances (68 starts).
Dodgers were among teams interested in Rich Hill
The Dodgers and New York Yankees were among the teams interested in signing Hill last season ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
Neither team ended up netting Hill, and the Dodgers instead addressed their need for starting pitching through a trade with the Detroit Tigers for Jack Flaherty.
Hill eventually signed a Minor League contract with the Boston Red Sox. He made four appearances as a reliever, allowing two earned runs in 3.2 innings of work.
Hill was designated for assignment and released by the Red Sox, finishing the 2024 season as a free agent.
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