Veteran Southpaw Joins Royals, Ties Record with 14th MLB Team

The Journey of Dick Mountain

Hill’s journey began in 2002 when the Chicago Cubs drafted him in the fourth round. He debuted in 2005, embarking on a 20-year odyssey across 13 teams, including the Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Padres. His career stats boast a 90-74 record, a 4.01 ERA, and 1,428 strikeouts over 1,409 innings. Notably, Hill’s resilience shone through a 2017 no-hitter, which was broken up by a ninth-inning error, and a career renaissance with the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020, during which he posted a 2.92 ERA. Last season, he pitched 3.2 innings for Boston, his fourth stint with the Red Sox, before being designated for assignment.

Trip to Omaha

Now, Hill joins the Royals, a team lying five and a half games behind in the AL Wild Card standings, with a robust rotation led by Kris Bubic and Michael Wacha. His signing in May 2025 came as insurance for a pitching staff that injuries to Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo had hit. In Triple-A, Hill posted, recording a 5.36 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 42 innings. His fastball, averaging 88.9 mph, still baffles hitters with its veteran guile.

Role in Kansas City

For the Royals, Hill’s role will likely be as a long reliever or spot starter. Manager Matt Quatraro, who coached Hill in Tampa, praised his fiery competitiveness, noting to MLB.com’s Brian Murphy, “Nobody wants to win more than that guy. Nobody is more fiery than he is.” Hill’s experience and mentorship will benefit younger pitchers, while his postseason pedigree— a 3.06 ERA in 13 appearances—adds depth to a playoff-contending club. However, with a stacked rotation, Hill must prove he can still compete at the major league level.

As Hill takes the mound, fans await whether he’ll cement his legacy or chase a 15th team, further etching his name in baseball history.