Rich Hill’s Latest Challenge: A New Beginning

By | @VisualTejeda

September 12, 2023

In a surprising move, the San Diego Padres have placed seasoned southpaw Rich Hill on waivers, opening the door for a potential fresh start for the 43-year-old pitcher. The Padres are willing to part ways with Hill and the remaining $817,000 of his $8 million salary for this season, leaving it up to other MLB teams to decide his fate.

Hill’s tenure with the Padres since being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the trade deadline has been marked by struggles. In seven appearances, he has posted a daunting 9.27 ERA, surrendering 23 runs over 22 1/3 innings. His performance in Pittsburgh, where he maintained a 4.76 ERA over 119 innings in the first three months of the season, stands in stark contrast.

One of the key concerns surrounding Hill’s recent outings is his declining ability to miss bats, as reflected in his below-average 19.6% strikeout rate. Additionally, his walk rate of 8.9% is slightly higher than the league average. However, it’s worth noting that just a year ago, Hill started 26 games for the Boston Red Sox, boasting a 4.27 earned run average with a notably improved 20.7% strikeout rate and a sharp 7% walk rate.

Despite his struggles this season, Hill remains determined to extend his career into 2024, even as he approaches his age-44 season. For him, a quick stint with another team in the final weeks of the season could serve as an audition for the next year.

Hill’s recent performance and the financial aspect of his contract make it likely that he will clear waivers, granting him an opportunity to potentially sign with a new team. If he does, he will be on the cusp of tying Edwin Jackson’s unique record of playing for 14 different teams in his career. This oddball record, while not a personal goal for Hill, could add another intriguing layer to his extensive baseball journey.

Throughout his lengthy career spanning back to 2005, Hill has appeared in 379 games, accumulating 1400 1/3 innings. His career stats include a 4.01 ERA, an 89-73 win-loss record, a 23.9% strikeout rate, and a 9.1% walk rate. A fresh start with a new team and potential offseason deals could provide Hill with an opportunity to surpass 1500 innings and reach the coveted 100-win milestone in a career that has been as remarkable as it has been unconventional.