Richard Hill: Everything you need to know

Hill said recently on Audacy's "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast that he does not plan to pitch anywhere in 2026. Hill stopped short of using the word "retirement," but considering he'll turn 46 in March, it's easy to see that's where this is headed. The lefty made two starts for the Royals in 2025, allowing seven runs (five earned) with a 4:8 K:BB over nine innings, which was the 14th team he pitched for at the big-league level. If Hill does officially call it a career, he'll retire with 90 wins and a career 4.02 ERA over parts of 21 major-league seasons.

Hill elected free agency Friday. Hill made a pair of starts for the Royals at the end of July but but was saddled with the loss in both contests after surrendering a total of seven runs (five earned) on nine hits and eight walks across nine innings of work. He struck out just four of the 43 batters he faced and registered a 5.00 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in his limited action. The 45-year-old will see if he can land a chance to start elsewhere.

The Royals designated Hill for assignment Tuesday. Hill made two starts for Kansas City and really struggled in the second one Monday versus Atlanta, walking six while allowing four runs over four innings. The 45-year-old southpaw will likely pass through waivers unclaimed, at which point he must decide whether to pitch at Triple-A Omaha or become a free agent.