In 2024, Rich Hill pitched in his 20th MLB season. His eighth stint with the Boston Red Sox was short at just 3.2 innings, but Hill isn't done pitching in the big leagues.
The veteran, who turns 45 in the weeks before Opening Day, hopes to pitch another year in MLB to keep his career alive into its 21st year. Nolan Ryan has firm ownership of the longest career in the modern baseball era, with a staggering 27 seasons played, but it appears Hill hopes to give him a run for his money.
Hill has appeared with 13 teams over his two decades in professional baseball. He's spent the most time with the Red Sox and has played for them in parts of six seasons, including the latest one. He also posted four-year stints with the Dodgers and Cubs, but he only played one year with the other 10 teams on his resume.
Hill, a Massachusetts native, may hope to pitch close to home in 2025, but said he won't limit himself to teams in the northeast. Boston used the lefty as a reliever last year and it's still on the lookout for bullpen depth. After his many stints with the Red Sox, a reunion with Hill feels nearly inevitable.
Multiple-time Red Sox Rich Hill hopes to return to pitch in his 21st MLB season
44-year-old Rich Hill.
— MLB (@MLB) August 30, 2024
How it started ➡️ How it's going pic.twitter.com/1HhPol5fbl
The veteran signed midseason in 2024 in hopes of staying healthy to help a contending team as the playoffs neared, but he nor the Red Sox got lucky enough to get there. He would like to pitch more of a full schedule this coming season.
There has been little to no smoke connecting Hill to any clubs yet, but if history is any indication, the Red Sox could eventually be in the mix. Hill has been used to pitching as a starter for most of his career, but he's made increasing relief appearances since 2023. He could be a solid long reliever and depth starter for any pitching staff in need of more length.