Rich Hill, Boston Red Sox discussing return for 2023
Boston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill said that he wanted to continue his career in 2023. That appears as though it will be a reality.
Hill had joined The Bradfo Sho Podcast on Wednesday to discuss his career and what the life of a ballplayer is like. He mentioned that the two sides have mutual interest in a reunion for 2023 and that preliminary talks have already begun.
Rich Hill could still be useful piece for Boston Red Sox
He showed that he still had something left in the tank last season. Hill posted a respectable 4.27 ERA and a 1.303 WHiP in his 124.1 innings, striking out 109 batters with 37 walks. Those may not be ace caliber numbers, but they would certainly work in the back of the rotation.
That is likely the Red Sox mindset as well. The rotation could have numerous holes with Nathan Eovaldi and Michael Wacha also set to reach free agency. There is no way of knowing what either Chris Sale or James Paxton will be able to contribute in 2023 or if they will even be healthy enough to stay on the mound.
The same can be said of Hill as well. He is likely to battle blister issues at some point in the season as has been the case over the past few years. He has made over 30 appearances just once since his late career resurgence began in 2015. And he will be 43 years old heading into the 2023 campaign.
That is still a gamble worth taking. Hill would be a cost effective option at the back of the rotation, one of the better fifth starters in the game. Considering the other holes on their roster, and the amount of money that may need to be spent, a reunion could be just what the Red Sox need.
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A reunion between Rich Hill and the Boston Red Sox makes sense. Based on their mutual interest, that could happen sooner rather than later.