As the 2024 Major League Baseball season approaches, pitchers and catchers are beginning to arrive at spring training camps. Despite the proximity of Opening Day next month, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill has yet to secure a team. The 43-year-old, who desires to extend his career into a 20th season, is not feeling pressured to make a hasty decision.
During an appearance on the “ESPN Baseball Tonight” podcast, Hill, who has had three stints with the Red Sox, shared his perspective on the upcoming year as a father and discussed his preferred timeline for a potential return to the mound.
“I’m open to the idea of joining a team for spring training. It’s not the most likely scenario, but I’m certainly open to it,” Hill told Buster Olney. “I’m excited about watching our son Brice play Little League this spring and assisting with coaching the team. It’s his final year, his senior season of Little League, so I want to be involved. I’ve only been able to attend four or five of his games over the past four years. If not for spring training, which is a slim possibility, I’m eyeing a return in July or August to resume pitching.”
This isn’t the first instance Hill has mentioned the possibility of returning later in the season. Following the 2022 season, the left-hander floated the idea of signing with a team during the summer months for the 2023 season. Eventually, he signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline. Hill’s performance in 2023 yielded an 8-14 record with a 5.41 ERA across both teams.
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Turning 44 in March, Hill holds the distinction of being the oldest player in MLB. If he remains unsigned by the start of spring training, teams may view him as a valuable depth option. His extensive experience includes pitching nearly 150 innings in 2023, and he has demonstrated versatility by excelling both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
