RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Rich Hill #44 of the Boston Red Sox walks reacts during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)
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Rich Hill has spent more than two decades finding ways to extend a Major League Baseball career that probably would have ended several times over if he had followed a conventional path.
The Boston native and longtime Red Sox veteran has reinvented himself repeatedly, becoming one of the most unusual longevity stories of his generation. Still, it was surprising on Wednesday when he indicated that he is targeting a return to the big leagues as he pushes 50.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga Blue Jays Skipper Sends Phillies’ Alec Bohm Message After Shocking Move Boston Red Sox Former Pitcher Rich Hill Targets Age-48 MLB Comeback
“There could be (a comeback), there definitely could be,” Hill told Buster Olney during an appearance on the Baseball Tonight podcast . “I haven’t officially retired so… This is something that could be a little bit more of a ramp up as the next couple years come around, as far as looking forward to maybe age 48 and pitching. That is serious.”
Hill acknowledged that the potential return remains a developing situation rather than a firm plan but he also confirmed that he is not formally retired even though he hasn’t pitched this season.
“This is a work in progress,” Hill added. “(I’m age) 46 currently, next year we’ll see how the temperature of the water is.”
Hill added that he is looking to transform into a submarine pitcher, inspired by Toronto Blue Jays reliever Tyler Rogers.
Hill last pitched in 2025, when he joined the Kansas City Royals and became the oldest player in MLB at the time. That appearance tied him with Edwin Jackson for the record of pitching for 14 different franchises and, if he is able to return with a new team at age 48, he would set an MLB record.
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Hill's longevity has been particularly impressive because his career was not built on overwhelming velocity. Instead, the left-hander has repeatedly adjusted his approach and preparation to remain effective.
“Though he did pitch in the 2025 season, he was easily the oldest player in the league,” Darragh McDonald noted for MLB Trade Rumors . “He was 45 years old when he suited up for the Royals and will turn 46 in March. Though he has continued pitching to an age when most other players have called it quits long ago, he did so with some unconventional approaches. He waited until midseason to sign in 2024 in a deliberate attempt to be more fresh for a stretch run.”
If Hill is actually able to ramp up into an MLB return in the near future, it seems likely he would not actually take the mound until well into the 2028 season.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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