Royals sign 45-year-old former Dodgers starter as veteran depth option
The Kansas City Royals entered the 2025 MLB season with a lot of hype. They were looking to continue their strong performance after reaching the ALDS last season, where they lost to the New York Yankees.
Pitching carried them last year, and after a slow start, it is carrying them once again. Players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino have also led the way offensively.
The club is looking to add some insurance to its pitching staff, announcing the signing of veteran left-hander and former LA Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill to a minor league deal on Tuesday.
Hill played for 13 teams during his 20-year MLB career. If he plays for the Royals this season, it will mark his 14th team, tying Edwin Jackson's record.
Hill last played in 2024 as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He made four appearances before the team designated him for assignment and eventually released him outright.
Hill will now attempt to return to the big leagues, though he will need time to ramp up his arm and get into game shape.
Royals' pitching depth may make it tough for Rich Hill to crack rotation
The Royals are not struggling in the starting pitching department by any stretch. They have a strong group of arms that have kept the team in contention.
Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic, Michael Lorenzen and Cole Ragans have been impressive early on. Their efforts have helped the team post a 3.01 ERA, the second-best in all of baseball. The staff also boasts a solid WHIP (1.18), which ranks fifth.
However, that doesn’t mean the club can’t add some insurance pieces, like Hill. It will be difficult for the veteran to earn a spot in the Royals' rotation. Kansas City also has Noah Cameron, a top pitching prospect on the 40-man roster, who would likely get the call ahead of Hill.
There is always the possibility that Hill could later be traded at the deadline if another team expresses interest. It will be interesting to follow his journey as he works to get back on the mound this season.