According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Boston Red Sox are set to sign veteran pitcher Rich Hill to a minor league deal. Hill is expected to make several appearances with Triple-A Worcester before potentially joining the major league roster. If all goes well, this would mark Hill’s 20th season in the big leagues and his fourth separate stint with the Red Sox.
**Boston Red Sox Sign Rich Hill**
The Red Sox have faced challenges with their starting pitching depth throughout the season, even after making additions at the trade deadline. With James Paxton dealing with a calf injury, the team is signing Hill in hopes that the well-rested veteran can provide a boost during the Wild Card race.
This will be the eighth time Rich Hill has signed a free agent contract with the Red Sox. Not a joke. Fact.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 16, 2024
Hill split the 2023 season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres, struggling with a 5.41 ERA (81 ERA+) over 146 â…“ innings across 32 games. Given his age and recent performance, there was speculation that Hill might retire, but the 44-year-old remained committed to pitching in 2024.
While Hill might not be able to sustain a full season at this stage in his career, the Red Sox see potential value in having him contribute in September and October. Boston’s new pitching philosophy, which de-emphasizes four-seam fastballs, could align well with Hill’s skill set, particularly his iconic curveball and effective sinker.
With the trade deadline past, the decision to sign Hill could be the last significant pitching upgrade for a contending team before the playoffs. Several contenders attended Hill’s recent bullpen session, indicating widespread interest in his potential contributions.
The Red Sox were likely motivated to sign Hill following Paxton’s injury, which left their starting rotation with only four pitchers.
Rich Hill is close to formalizing a minor-league deal with the Red Sox. Here he is moments after last Friday's workout (which the Red Sox were very impressed by) https://t.co/pFWSp3wFu6 pic.twitter.com/xQbyd038VP
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) August 16, 2024
Hill indicated he was prepared to pitch five or six innings per outing, and while he might move to the bullpen in October, Boston could rely on him for traditional starter innings in September.
