Rich Hill's homecoming: Red Sox aim for 4th stint with 44-year-old veteran as both sides reportedly near minor league deal

Rich Hill appears to be making his way home to the Boston Red Sox for the fourth time in his career. According to MLB insider Rob Bradford, the 44-year-old pitcher is nearing a deal with the Red Sox, which is expected to begin in Triple-A before potentially gaining a role with the big club.

"Rich Hill and the Red Sox are working toward a deal. This would be the 4th time with his hometown team. Hill, 44, will likely begin at Triple-A @bradfo 1st" - @JonHeyman

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Rich Hill is reportedly signing a minor league deal with his hometown club. Even though he will open his fourth tenure with the club in the minors, it may not be long before he finds himself in game shape and ready to contribute to the Red Sox's playoff push.

Hill, who split time between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres last year, is determined to prove that age is merely a number. The veteran southpaw brings a level of experience and reliability that the team is currently lacking. He also finds himself in a position that he is not only comfortable with but one where he can contribute sooner rather than later.

Before Friday's action, the Red Sox sit 2.5 games outside of an American League Wild Card spot and are in desperate need of stability in their pitching rotation. The club acquired another veteran, James Paxton, from the LA Dodgers back in July, however, he suffered a partially torn calf muscle. The unfortunate injury has opened the door for a reunion with Hill.

"Rich Hill gets the win to end the Padres season!" - @TalkingFriars

Last season with the Pirates and Padres, Hill posted an 8-14 record with a 5.41 ERA and 129 strikeouts over 146.1 innings. If the veteran starter hopes to crack the Red Sox rotation, he will need to improve on his 2023 campaign. As we have seen before, a bounceback for Rich Hill should not be ruled out.

Rich Hill has enjoyed plenty of success with the Red Sox in the past

If Hill does indeed crack the Boston Red Sox rotation, his fourth stint with the organization at the major league level will come to fruition. The first time Hill pitched for his hometown club was back in 2010 at the ripe age of 30. Throughout his 19-year MLB career, Hill found his way back home, returning to the Red Sox in 2015 and 2022.

Over his five total seasons spent with Boston, Hill has posted a 12-8 record with a 3.31 ERA and 181 strikeouts over his 185.1 innings of work. With the fate of Boston's playoff hopes coming down to the final weeks, perhaps a familiar face could help them climb the hill in the Wild Card standings.