Hill said recently on Audacy's "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast that he does not plan to pitch anywhere in 2026.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 may see if he can land a chance to start elsewhere.

The Royals designated Hill for assignment Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Hill (0-2) took the loss Monday against Atlanta, yielding four runs on three hits and six walks over four innings with three strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran southpaw could not find the strike zone when it counted in this 81-pitch appearance, as he issued six or more free passes for the third time in his 21-year career. All four runs scored against Hill came on a pair of two-run long balls -- a 468-foot Ronald Acuna blast in the fourth and a 408-foot Marcell Ozuna homer in the fourth. In nine total innings across two starts, Hill has conceded seven runs (five earned) on nine hits and eight walks while striking out four. The 45-year-old currently lines up to make his next start on the road against Toronto this weekend.

Hill is slated to start Monday's game against Atlanta at Kauffman Stadium.

EDGE Analysis

The 45-year-old lefty will be making his second straight turn through the Kansas City rotation after he fared reasonably well in his Royals debut this past Tuesday, when he limited the Cubs to three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks over five innings. Though he'll need to continue delivering serviceable outings to stick around with Kansas City, Hill's path to an extended stay in the rotation appears to have gotten clearer after Kris Bubic (shoulder) recently joined Cole Ragans (shoulder) and Michael Lorenzen (oblique) on the injured list.

Hill (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks over five innings against the Cubs. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Hill made MLB history Tuesday by pitching for his 14th team, tying Edwin Jackson's all-time record. The 45-year-old delivered a solid outing, allowing one earned run and three total over five innings, with defensive miscues by the Royals contributing to the damage. While the veteran lefty no longer has swing-and-miss stuff or any velocity, which will likely limit his effectiveness at this level, just being on a major league mound for a 21st consecutive season is a remarkable accomplishment. His stint may end once Michael Lorenzen (oblique) returns, but Hill's longevity is undeniably impressive.

The Royals selected Hill's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hill will start Tuesday's game at Wrigley Field against the Cubs, which is the same site where he made his major-league debut all the way back in June 2005. The 45-year-old put up a 5.36 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 48:25 K:BB in 42 innings with Omaha before getting the promotion. Hill will be pitching on two days' rest after throwing two innings for Omaha on Saturday.

The Royals are expected to call Hill up from Triple-A Omaha, and he'll likely pitch Tuesday against the Cubs, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 45-year-old lefty will become the oldest active player in the majors once he joins the Royals for what will be his 21st season in the big leagues with his 14th different team. The Royals haven't clarified their plans for Hill, but he'll likely start or pitch in bulk relief while essentially operating as the fifth member of their rotation until either of Michael Lorenzen (oblique) or Cole Ragans (shoulder) return from the injured list. After joining the organization on a minor-league deal May 14, Hill reported to Triple-A at the beginning of June and turned in a 5.36 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 48:25 K:BB in 42 innings with Omaha. He had pitched more effectively over his last two outings, however, striking out 11 while allowing one earned run in seven innings.

Hill (3-1) took the loss Friday against Durham, allowing five runs on five hits and five walks across five innings. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Hill turned in his roughest outing at Triple-A Omaha in four starts at the level, struggling with command and surrendering frequent hard contact. The 45-year-old now holds a 4.34 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over six starts and 29 innings between the Arizona Complex League and Triple-A this season. The veteran southpaw had a June 15 opt-out clause but chose to remain with the Royals organization. However, should a major-league offer come his way from another team, the Royals "will not stand in his way," Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Hill signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 45-year-old lefty will report to the Royals' spring training complex before eventually joining Triple-A Omaha. Hill logged 3.2 innings across four relief appearances with Boston last year while averaging 86.5 mph on his fastball.