The Latest Breaking News from Rich Hill

When I woke up this morning, I had no intention of writing about the Pirates for today’s newsletter. Why would I? I have mentioned them in previous editions—such as when I’ve written that they should trade their best player and when they gave up Aaron Judge’s 60th home run—but only…

General manager Ben Cherington said a few days before Christmas that the Pirates hoped to add to their starting rotation. After the holiday, Pittsburgh did that in a creative and unexpected way, inking 42-year-old left-hander Rich Hill to a one-year, $8 million contract.

Here are the free-agent signings and trades that Boston should make to return to contention next season.

BOSTON — It’s too bad the Red Sox aren’t going anywhere this year because 42-year-old Rich Hill is finally starting to feel it.

BOSTON — As the clock ticks down on the Orioles' season, there are fewer opportunities to bounce back from performances such as Wednesday night’s at Fenway Park. Against left-hander Rich Hill, Baltimore could mount little offensively, and the Boston Red Sox took advantage.

In Aaron Judge we trust.

The Red Sox said they were going to come right after Aaron Judge in this series, but they didn’t stick to their word.

Once again, Brady Singer stepped in and righted the ship when the Kansas City Royals were seemingly headed for rocky waters.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Rays were expecting that Drew Rasmussen, the reigning American League pitcher of the month, was due to deliver another strong start Tuesday against the Red Sox.

BOSTON — Even as the Red Sox faced long odds to make the playoffs as they entered September on Thursday – a 1 percent chance, according to FanGraphs – manager Alex Cora did his best to remain optimistic and even hoped for the seemingly impossible.

BOSTON — Rich Hill was almost emotionless as he walked off the mound, having just recorded another strikeout to end the seventh inning. A standing ovation surrounded him at Fenway Park, high-fives and hugs awaited him in the dugout.