Former Red 
Sox pitcher plans to pitch in 2024, but in no rush to sign deal
Pitchers and catchers are beginning to report to spring training as the 2024 Major League Baseball season inches closer. With Opening Day next month, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill hasn’t landed with a team yet. The 43-year-old wants to play a 20th season, but he also isn’t in a rush.
Appearing on the “ESPN Baseball Tonight” podcast, Hill, who had three stints with the Red Sox, opened up about what he’s looking forward to this year as a father, and when he’d ideally like to return to the mound.
“If it’s not spring training, like I said is a small percentage, July or August is the return date to come back and pitch again,” he added.
This isn’t the first time Hill has mentioned a late-season return. After the 2022 season the left-hander tossed out the idea of signing with a club in the summer months for 2023. He ended up signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the San Diego Padres at the deadline. Hill went 8-14 between the two teams with a 5.41 ERA.
Hill turns 44 in March and is the oldest player in MLB. If a team doesn’t come calling by spring training, they might be interested in adding him as a depth piece. He pitched nearly 150 innings in 2023 and has been used as a starter and out of the bullpen.
