Comeback on the diamond! At the age of 45 years, when most players decide to hang up their cleats and pick up the coaching gear, this former Red Sox pitcher is all set to represent the 14th franchise of his 20-year career.
He made his major league debut in 2005. In his final season, 2024, he wore the Red Sox jersey, appearing in four games and posting a 0–1 record with a 4.91 ERA. But in September, he was designated for assignment. Now, it’s the Kansas City Royals who have called him to the majors for his 21st season.
This is Rich Hill, the left-hander who has become the poster child of “age is just a number.” Recently, MLB shared an update on their Instagram account: “45-year-old Rich Hill is back for his 21st season! Hill is reportedly being called up by the Royals, per MLB.com’s Anne Rogers.” And it’s a big deal for both fans and the league.
In May 2025, the Royals inked Hill to a minor league deal and sent him to their Triple-A team. There, he’s shown signs of his brilliance. He had a 5.22 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 11 Triple-A starts, including a game on July 13 with 10 strikeouts. And with that, he reminded everyone why he earned the nickname “Dick Mountain.”
Hill has a 90–74 record through 2024. He has a 4.01 ERA, 1,428 strikeouts, and 543 walks in 1,409 innings across 386 games (248 starts). In 2016, he had his best season, pitching 110.1 innings with a great 2.12 ERA while playing for the A’s and the Dodgers.
He has already played for 13 MLB teams: the Chicago Cubs (2005-08), Orioles (2009), Red Sox (2010-12, 2015, 2022, 20024), Guardians (2013), Angels (2014), NYY (2014), A’s (2016), Dodgers (2016-19), Twins (2020), Rays (2021), NYM (2021), Pirates (2023), and San Diego Padres (2023). And now his 14th team will be the Kansas City Royals.
With that, Rich Hill would tie with Edwin Jackson for the most teams ever played for in MLB history. Plus, he will be the oldest MLB pitcher since Jamie Moyer pitched until age 49 in 2012.
The announcement of Hill’s return at this age has got fans talking. And it’s a mixed bag of reactions from appreciation to shock to humor.
Fan reactions: Internet erupts over Red Sox pitcher’s comeback
It’s no surprise that the news of Rich Hill’s latest return has the baseball world buzzing. And one fan welcomed him with sarcasm. “Heard that this kid is a promising prospect! Can’t wait to watch his debut!” This funny comment sums up just how strange it is that Hill is getting ready for his 21st season while most “prospects” are eager about their first game in the majors.
credits: MLB.COM
Then there’s the more skeptical but still humorous observation. “Ur telling me there isn’t a better pitching in triple A .” It highlights how amusing it is that a guy as old as Hill is still seen as a good choice over younger, purportedly more “promising” players in the minors.
Another playful appreciation read, “45 years young please.” Yet, the velocity is still ranging between 88-93 mph. He is mostly throwing his 88 mph four-seam fastball and 72 mph curve, although he also threw in an 85 mph cutter and a 71 mph slider. So, is the 45 new 25 on the mound? Maybe that is why it’s him over any young prospect.
The age factor might be surprising, but it’s an inspiration for others. “This just made me feel younger!” Throwing at that age is no joke. It requires discipline, motivation, fitness, and most importantly, accuracy. And those 10 Ks in the minors just prove that. And now, with this appearance, Rich Hill will become the oldest active MLB player since 45-year-old Ichiro Suzuki in 2019.
Next, the game of comparison had to happen. A fan pointed out, “But no one wants to sign Anthony Rizzo apparently? Smh.” Anthony Rizzo, who is 35 years old, is now a free agent after the Yankees turned down his $17m option and paid a $6m buyout. He has an average of .228. But it’s his injuries and pricey demands that keep him out of the game.
So, yeah, baseball’s latest tale is Rich Hill’s return. He’s redefining longevity, not just adding stats. Hill will tie the MLB record for most teams played and rewrite the narrative of what’s possible at 45. Excited to watch him?
The post Red Sox Legend Poised to Make MLB History as Unexpected Announcement Stuns Fans appeared first on EssentiallySports.