After nearly a year away from Major League Baseball, veteran pitcher Rich Hill is gearing up for a much-anticipated return to the mound. The 45-year-old, best known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is poised to join the Kansas City Royals, marking a remarkable comeback in a career that has spanned parts of two decades.
Hill’s last MLB appearance came on September 4, 2024, pitching for the Boston Red Sox. Since then, he has remained out of the major league spotlight, but recent reports confirm that the seasoned left-hander is ready to make his return. Hill signed a minor league deal with the Royals in mid-May 2025 and has since made 11 starts for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers. Despite some struggles early in July, his recent starts have shown promising signs of effectiveness, suggesting he could soon be called up to the Royals’ active roster.
The Oakland Athletics originally brought Hill to prominence in a midseason 2016 trade to the Dodgers, where he quickly endeared himself to fans. His tenure in Los Angeles was highlighted by a three-year, $48 million contract signed after the 2016 season, his largest deal to date. Over four seasons with the Dodgers, Hill posted a solid 30-16 record with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.16, cementing his reputation as a reliable lefty starter. His playful nickname “Dick Mountain,” emblazoned on his Players’ Weekend jersey, remains a fan favorite memory at Dodger Stadium.
Throughout his career, Hill has showcased remarkable longevity and adaptability, having pitched for 14 different organizations since debuting with the Chicago Cubs in 2005. Following his time in Los Angeles, he spent years moving between clubs, including multiple stints with the Boston Red Sox. Now, joining the Royals, he stands to become the oldest active pitcher in MLB—a testament to his enduring skill and determination against the odds.
Rich Hill’s return is a narrative of perseverance and veteran savvy, embodying the spirit of a player who refuses to be sidelined by time. As the Kansas City Royals prepare to add his experience to their pitching rotation, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how “Dick Mountain” fares in this impressive new chapter of his MLB journey.
