Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rich Hill (pitcher)

Discover the career path of Rich Hill (pitcher), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Richard Joseph "Rich" Hill, nicknamed "Dick Mountain", is a veteran MLB pitcher currently with the Kansas City Royals. He's had a lengthy career, playing in every MLB season from 2005-2024, for teams including the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Indians, Angels, Yankees, Athletics, Dodgers, Twins, Rays, Mets, Pirates, and Padres. Known for his resilience and longevity, Hill continues to contribute to MLB as a seasoned left-handed pitcher.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1999: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

In 1999, Rich Hill was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 36th round of the MLB draft but opted to play college baseball for the Michigan Wolverines instead.

2000: Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2000, Rich Hill played collegiate summer baseball for the Chatham A's of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2001: Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2001, Rich Hill played collegiate summer baseball for the Chatham A's of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2001: Drafted by the Anaheim Angels

In 2001, Rich Hill was drafted again in the seventh round of the MLB Draft by the Anaheim Angels but decided to return to the Wolverines.

July 10, 2002: Signed with the Chicago Cubs

On July 10, 2002, Rich Hill was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Chicago Cubs and signed, receiving a $302,000 signing bonus.

2002: Junior Season at Michigan

In 2002 during his junior season at Michigan, Rich Hill had a 3–7 record with a 3.55 ERA in 15 games, including eight complete games and two shutouts, and struck out 104 while walking only 38.

2003: Plays with Boise

In 2003 with Boise, Rich Hill was 1–6 with a 4.35 ERA in 14 starts and led the league in strikeouts with 99. He was promoted to the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League.

2004: Promoted to Daytona Cubs

In 2004, Rich Hill was promoted to the Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League. He was 7–6 with a 4.03 ERA in 28 games, 19 starts, with 136 strikeouts.

June 15, 2005: Major League Debut

On June 15, 2005, Rich Hill made his major league debut against the Florida Marlins, pitching one inning of relief and striking out Carlos Delgado for his first major league strikeout.

July 25, 2005: First MLB Start

On July 25, 2005, Rich Hill made his first MLB start against the San Francisco Giants, lasting five innings. The game was memorable due to Hill tripping over third-base on his way to the plate.

2005: Promotion to Triple-A Iowa Cubs

Rich Hill began the 2005 season with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, then earned a May promotion to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. He earned Milb.com distinctions as breakthrough performer of the year.

2006: Attention in Chicago

In 2006, Rich Hill gained attention in Chicago during the cross-town classic with the Chicago White Sox. On May 20, Hill lost to the White Sox 7–0, and was the starter in the game that saw A. J. Pierzynski run over Cubs catcher Michael Barrett at the plate in a huge collision. He was selected as a postseason all-star and Baseball America Triple-A All-Star.

2006: First Complete Game and Shutout

In 2006, Rich Hill had his first major league victory on August 1. On September 6, Hill fanned 11 batters. On September 16, Rich Hill threw his first complete game and shutout against the Cincinnati Reds. He posted a 6–3 record with a 2.93 ERA in the final two months of the season.

2007: Fourth Starter in Cubs' Opening Day Rotation

In 2007, Rich Hill was the fourth starter in the Cubs' Opening Day rotation, pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers for his first start of the season. He threw a perfect game through the first five innings.

2007: Started Game 3 of the 2007 National League Division Series

Rich Hill started game 3 of the 2007 National League Division Series against the Diamondbacks. Chris Young homered off the first pitch of the game and Hill only lasted three innings.

2008: Optioned to Triple-A Iowa

In 2008, Rich Hill struggled from the outset, making five starts with a 1–0 record and 4.12 ERA. On May 3, he was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa to improve his control.

2008: Injuries and Winter League

In 2008, Rich Hill was placed on the disabled list with a back strain and suffered from various muscle strains the rest of the season. He played for the Tigres de Aragua of the Venezuelan Winter League after the season.

February 2, 2009: Traded to the Baltimore Orioles

On February 2, 2009, Rich Hill was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later, which later converted to cash considerations.

January 26, 2010: Signed Minor League Contract with St. Louis Cardinals

On January 26, 2010, Rich Hill signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals with an invitation to spring training. He was beaten out by Jaime García in the battle for the fifth starter spot.

June 30, 2010: Signed Minor League Contract with Boston Red Sox

On June 30, 2010, Rich Hill signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. He was assigned to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.

December 16, 2010: Re-signed with the Red Sox

On December 16, 2010, Rich Hill re-signed with the Red Sox to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

December 30, 2011: Re-signed with Red Sox

On December 30, 2011, Rich Hill was re-signed to a minor-league contract by the Red Sox, including a spring training invitation.

April 7, 2012: First Rehab Appearance

On April 7, 2012, Rich Hill made his first rehab appearance in the minors with the Greenville Drive.

February 7, 2013: Signed with Cleveland Indians

On February 7, 2013, Rich Hill signed a minor league deal with an invite to big league spring training with the Cleveland Indians.

2013: Career-High Games Played

In 2013, Rich Hill appeared in a career-high 63 games, working 38+2⁄3 innings and was 1–2 with a 6.28 ERA.

February 9, 2014: Signed minor-league deal to return to the Red Sox

On February 9, 2014, Rich Hill signed a minor-league deal to return to the Red Sox which included an invitation to spring training.

July 1, 2014: Traded to the Los Angeles Angels

On July 1, 2014, Rich Hill was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for cash considerations. He played in two games as part of a doubleheader that day, allowing a single and walking two batters in the first game, and walking one batter and throwing a wild pitch in the second game.

July 17, 2014: Signed with the New York Yankees

On July 17, 2014, Rich Hill signed a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees and joined the Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

February 27, 2015: Signed with the Washington Nationals

On February 27, 2015, Rich Hill signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals that included an invitation to spring training to compete for a bullpen spot.

July 28, 2015: Signed with Long Island Ducks

On July 28, 2015, after not receiving any other offers, Rich Hill signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball as a starter, determined to become a starting pitcher again.

August 14, 2015: Signed with the Red Sox

On August 14, 2015, Rich Hill signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox.

November 17, 2015: Agreed to contract with Oakland Athletics

On November 17, 2015, Rich Hill agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract with the Oakland Athletics.

August 1, 2016: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On August 1, 2016, Rich Hill and Josh Reddick were traded by the Athletics to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitching prospects.

December 5, 2016: Re-signed with the Dodgers

On December 5, 2016, Rich Hill re-signed with the Dodgers to a three-year, $48 million, contract.

December 31, 2019: Signed with the Minnesota Twins

On December 31, 2019, Rich Hill signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.

July 29, 2020: Made Twins debut

On July 29, 2020, Rich Hill made his Twins debut.

February 17, 2021: Signed with the Tampa Bay Rays

On February 17, 2021, Rich Hill signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

July 23, 2021: Traded to the New York Mets

On July 23, 2021, Rich Hill was traded to the New York Mets for pitcher Tommy Hunter and minor league catcher Matt Dyer.

December 1, 2021: Returned to the Red Sox

On December 1, 2021, Rich Hill signed a one-year contract to return to the Red Sox.

November 6, 2022: Elected Free Agency

On November 6, 2022, Rich Hill elected free agency.

January 5, 2023: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 5, 2023, Rich Hill signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

August 1, 2023: Traded to the San Diego Padres

On August 1, 2023, Rich Hill and Ji-man Choi were traded to the San Diego Padres for Alfonso Rivas, Estuar Suero, and Jackson Wolf.

August 18, 2024: Agreed to Minor League Contract with Red Sox

On August 18, 2024, Rich Hill agreed to a minor league contract with the Red Sox.

November 2024: Played in WBSC Premier12 tournament

In November 2024, Rich Hill was selected to the United States national baseball team for the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament and named to the All-World Team.

May 13, 2025: Agreed to Minor League Contract with Kansas City Royals

On May 13, 2025, Rich Hill agreed to a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, and was assigned to the club's facility in Surprise, Arizona ahead of an assignment with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers.