San Diego Padres starting pitcher Rich Hill (41) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Petco Park. Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Former Padres Pitcher Signs With American League Contender

Originally posted on San Diego Padres on SI
By J.P. Hoornstra | Last updated May 13, 2025 3:06 PM ET

Rich Hill is well on his way to returning for a 21st season in Major League Baseball.

The former Padres pitcher signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, who announced the move on Twitter/X Tuesday.

We have signed LHP Rich Hill to a minor league contract. He will report to Surprise and is expected to join Omaha (AAA) soon.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 13, 2025

Hill, who turned 45 in March, appeared in 10 games in 2023 for the Padres. He had been out of baseball since he was released by the Boston Red Sox last September.

Not since 2004 has an MLB season passed without Hill throwing a pitch. The Royals would be the 14th team to employ him at the major league level if he is promoted this season.

More to come on this story from Padres on SI.

This article first appeared on San Diego Padres on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: