Does a Rich Hill reunion actually make sense?
Does a Rich Hill reunion actually make sense?
According to Rich Hill, recent talks with the Red Sox front office might be aimed towards a potential reunion
It sure is easy for Red Sox fans to root for a guy pitching for his hometown team. But when is the right time to move on from the Milton native? Rich Hill will be 43 years old when the 2023 MLB season begins. The Red Sox are coming off a last place finish in the division. What does that mean for Rich Hill and the future of the team?
Hill was arguably the Red Sox most consistent starter during the 2022 season. The left hander was able to log over 120 innings for the depleted rotation, and one has to wonder how much worse it could've been without him.
During a recent interview with WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Hill explained that the Red Sox have already talked and discussed mutual interest in a reunion for next season. Barring a major downturn from Father Time, that would give the Red Sox a reliable back of the rotation arm that they know will eat some important innings over the long season. With all of that being said, does it really make sense to bring him back?
Bryan Bello was one of the most exciting things that happened during the grueling 2022 season. Getting the call in early July for his major league debut, Bello gave a good glimpse of what could be in store for years to come. His first start was as bad as it got for the 23 year old, as his starts beyond that looked better and better as he got more comfortable.
Bello and Nick Pivetta are about as close as you can get to locks in the starting rotation. Then throw in the likes of Tanner Houck, Josh Winckowski, Kutter Crawford, Connor Seabold, and yes, even Chris Sale to that list to contend for a spot. After at least a couple free agent signings this offseason, that leaves a lot of names fighting for a couple of spots. Bringing back Hill will only block a young name like Seabold, Crawford, or Winckowski.
After seeing what Bello did for last years team, the Red Sox should give a shot to at least one or two of their young pitching prospects and see what they have. Worst case is the Red Sox would then know if they either need to stick with them, trade them, or move on from the younger arms.
A 43 year old Hill would only be a short term replacement for a team that just finished in the basement of the division. The Red Sox should be looking for younger and more long term solutions to build off of the minor league depth that Chaim Bloom has built upon since his arrival.
Follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewwParkerr
For additional Red Sox and Major League Baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr
The Bradfo Sho Podcast is not affiliated with Beyond the Monster or any of its brands.