The oldest active player in MLB will have to soon find another team to continue his career.
Left-hander Rich Hill was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals, the club announced Tuesday, July 29. The move was made with Kansas City recalling Thomas Hatch from Triple-A Omaha.
The 45-year-old Hill had a short stint with the Royals after signing a minor league contract with the team in May. On July 22, Kansas City called up Hill and started him the same day against the Chicago Cubs, making him the oldest player to appear in MLB this season and oldest ever to play for the Royals. He also became one of just five players over 45 to play in the majors since 2010, and the first to do so since 2018.
Hill made two starts for Kansas City, giving up seven runs − five earned − on nine hits and eight walks allowed with four strikeouts. He went 0-2 with the Royals.
Rich Hill could make history
While it marks the sudden end of Hill’s time in Kansas City, it presents him with the opportunity to make MLB history if he continues his career.
The Royals marked the 14th team Hill has played for in his 21-year career, which tied retired pitcher Edwin Jackson for the most teams played for in MLB history. If Hill is able to sign with another new team and pitch for it, he would be the first person to play for 15 teams − half of MLB’s squads.
Hill made his MLB debut in 2005 with the Chicago Cubs, and has a 90-76 record with a 4.02 ERA in 388 games played.
What teams has Rich Hill played for?
- Chicago Cubs (2005-2008)
- Baltimore Orioles (2009)
- Boston Red Sox (2010-2012, 2015, 2022, 2024)
- Cleveland Guardians (2013)
- Los Angeles Angels (2014)
- New York Yankees (2014)
- Athletics (2016)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (2016-2019)
- Minnesota Twins (2020)
- Tampa Bay Rays (2021)
- New York Mets (2021)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (2023)
- San Diego Padres (2023)
- Kansas City Royals (2025)