Ex-Red Sox Hurler Nearing End Of Career Vows To Play At Least One More Season
The Boston Red Sox will have to mull over a slew of pitchers this offseason in an effort to bolster an ailing rotation.
Some of those players will have spent time in the organization, including one of the latest names to jump into the free-agent pool.
Former Red Sox left-hander Rich Hill was asked about whether he will return in 2024.
"Yeah, in what capacity I'm not 100% sure," Hill told WEEI's Rob Bradford on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast.
He clarified he would be coming back to pitch -- not coach -- and slipped in an interesting comment.
"The biggest thing is just trying to figure out what point in the season (to return)."
Hill mulled over the idea of waiting until the second half to sign prior to the 2023 season, as he wants to spend more time with his family and does not want to be a part of the 162-game grind anymore.
The 43-year-old was a fine pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season but imploded after being sent to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.
Hill posted a 4.76 ERA (93 ERA+) with a 104-to-47 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .272 batting average against and 1.479 WHIP in 119 innings across 22 starts. Unfortunately, he recorded an 8.23 ERA with 25 earned runs in 27 1/3 innings to close out his year with the Friars.
Hill will not be a highly-coveted asset but could join a team mid-season and work his way into a depth role. He'll want to sign with a postseason contender and likely have to target an injury-laden club.
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