After 19 years in Major League Baseball, it looked like Rich Hill might be done, but he’s not ready to quit just yet. Even though he had a tough season last year with a 5.41 ERA, Hill has been effective in several instances. He can be beneficial for the teams. After being released by the Padres in 2023, Hill is proving he’s still got what it takes. The video, which has taken Instagram by storm, had fans speculating in the comments about what could be the next destination for him.
What took Rich Hill so long?
In a recent viral video, we can see the 44-year-old baseball star giving his best while pitching trial to scouts. Rich Hill with an experience spanning almost two decades, has played for 13 teams including the Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Red Sox. You must be wondering where was Rich Hill all this time. Why is he joining or looking for potential teams in mid-season? Well, he was in baseball, just in a slightly different position. He revealed in an interview this week with Ian Browne of MLB.com that he was busy coaching Little League, where his son plays.
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“Getting the opportunity, knowing that it was his last year of Little League, that’s something that you can’t get back. We’ve had great moments we’ve been able to share,” Hill continued. “On my side, too, understanding that 12 years old is 12 years old. I think that’s extremely important to understand, from not just the aspect of the dad but the coaching side … So watching him be able to play and get[ting] that opportunity, this is the reason why I stayed home.”
He also added, that as he was busy doing the same he rejected not just one but three offers from the teams at the start of the season. As soon as the video went viral we could see fans tagging the teams. one of the comments reads “Sign him up, this bullpen does not compare to his mental mindset! This shows how eager his fans were to see him in this season even if it’s mid-season now. Rich Hill has over 1,400 MLB innings to his name, and now he is set to add some more to it by hoping to return for what would be a 20th MLB season.
Who are the possible suitors for Hill?
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According to rumors, Rich Hill can go back to his former team Dodgers. Although the Dodgers acquired Jack Flaherty and activated Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow from the injured list. The team would be still interested in stocking up the lineup with quality arms. On the brighter side, they both are used to each other. The team that would be the most benefited from Hills would be the Dodgers. Especially as the team lacks established lefty options behind Alex Vesia.
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Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Rich Hill can still make a significant impact in the MLB at 44?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, if he stays healthy
Only as a mentor
Who do you think had a bigger impact on MLB: Hideo Nomo or Shohei Ohtani?
Hideo Nomo
Shohei Ohtani
Both equally
Neither
Whats your Perspective on:
At 44, does Rich Hill still have what it takes to compete in the MLB?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think the MLB-NASCAR crossover at Bristol was a good idea?
Absolutely
Not at all
Could have been better
Don't care
Do you think MLB and NASCAR crossovers are a good idea?
Absolutely
Not at all
Depends on the event
Could be better
With the Yankees, not making any big moves to improve their pitch before the trade deadline, it makes them the next potential suitor for Hill in the list. Especially after only having one lefty on the lineup, Hill can help them out against the left-handed hitters. Most importantly the October baseball in New York is going to be intense. If the Yankees sign Hill they do not have to worry much about whether he can handle the pressure.
If any team knows how to use Rich Hill effectively, it’s the Minnesota Twins. Even though they may not need pitching reinforcements before they have now. Unfortunately, news broke on Friday that one of the team’s best starters Joe Ryan, whom they were highly relied on could miss the rest of the season with a shoulder issue. Due to budget restraints and little funds to explore the Twins added only one reliever at the deadline. As they were confident that the top of its starting rotation could lead them to a postseason run. Now since Joe Ryan isn’t there anymore signing Hill could be beneficial.
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Especially if we see their records from the shortened 2020 campaign. He tossed 38 2/3 innings with a 3.03 ERA (143 ERA+)for the twins. While the pitching need has only grown since the deadline, it’s doubtful that the team has enough money to sign Hill at this point but they could explore the option.
What’s your perspective on:
At 44, does Rich Hill still have what it takes to compete in the MLB?
Have an interesting take?
Lastly, can Hill go for the Boston Red Sox? Well in this season’s trade, the Red Sox had shown their clear goal of adding high-upside pitching. Especially as one of their team’s star players Nick Pivetta is experiencing arm fatigue. Hill’s upside may not be what it was but his serviceable arm could be beneficial for the Sox. Will the baseball star be Joining the Sox for his 20th season? Time will tell but wherever the champ goes he is likely to give an upward push to the team. Which team do you wanna see him playing for? Let us know in the comments.
Debate
At 44, does Rich Hill still have what it takes to compete in the MLB?