Rich Hill Defies Age and History by Joining Record-Tying 14th MLB Team with Royals Call-Up!
Rich Hill is back on the mound, defying the odds and age alike. At 45, this seasoned lefty is gearing up for another chapter with the Kansas City Royals, who decided to call him up from their Triple-A Omaha affiliate after signing him to a minor-league contract in mid-May. It’s a move that caught some attention, especially since Hill’s promotion was first tipped off by FanSided’s Robert Murray. Now, Hill isn’t just any player recalling—he’s set to become the oldest active player in Major League Baseball, stepping past Justin Verlander, who’s 42. Quite the milestone, considering he’ll join a relatively exclusive club as the sixth player over 40 on an MLB roster this year. What makes this even more fascinating is how Kansas City becomes the 14th major league team Hill will have pitched for—a feat tying him with Edwin Jackson for the most in MLB history. His latest stint with the Royals follows a brief 2024 appearance with the Boston Red Sox, where he logged a 4.91 ERA over a handful of innings. While the Royals haven’t nailed down his exact role yet, Hill’s recent track record in Triple-A—where he averaged almost five innings per start with notable strikeout numbers—could hint at a spot in the rotation. His July 13 outing, in particular, showcased his undiminished stuff: 10 strikeouts and just one run allowed, making him the first 45-year-old to rake double-digit Ks in a pro game since Nolan Ryan way back in ’92. With several Royals starters sidelined by injury, Hill’s arrival might well be the perfect seasoning to shake up the pitching staff. Throughout his career, Hill’s compiled a respectable 90-74 record with a 4.01 ERA, boasting his best season in 2007 with the Cubs. It’s clear, then, he’s not just hanging around for memories—this lefty is still here to make a mark. LEARN MORE
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