One name from the Cubs’ past could suddenly be back on their radar

The Chicago Cubs haven't been shy about adding veteran castoffs to their pitching depth this season, with the hopes that they can find a diamond in the rough. In the cases of Chris Flexen and Drew Pomeranz, it has worked as the veteran pitchers have been stacking scoreless innings while pitching out of the bullpen this season. Elsewhere, the Cubs' gamble on Kenta Maeda does not appear to be going well.

Through 4 starts with the Iowa Cubs this season, Maeda has an ERA of 13.89. Maeda and the recently signed Jake Woodford were signed due to the lack of pitching depth the Cubs have at the upper levels of their organization. With three starting pitchers on the IL--Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Javier Assad--the Cubs need depth in Triple-A.

The larger need, for the Cubs, is for a frontline starting pitcher. It would seem likely that the Cubs address that need with an impact trade ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. In the meantime, as the Cubs look for depth, their search could bring them back to a familiar face.

Rich Hill's 20-year career started with the Cubs in 2005, and he is still looking for work in 2025. Signed to a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals earlier this season, Hill's opt-out clause takes effect on June 15. If Hill doesn't reach the Major League level with the Royals, it stands to reason that he will have interest elsewhere.

Could Rich Hill end his career with the team where it first started?

No, Hill can't be the Cubs' answer for their biggest deadline need. Hill would be a depth signing, stashed in Triple-A, with the idea being that he could be a veteran who can eat innings for the Cubs in the event of an injury. Hill would be a safer bet for the Cubs than Maeda or Woodford. Of course, he may not want to leave the Royals only to sign another minor-league deal, but the path with the Cubs may be preferred.

Hill's last appearance in the Major Leagues was with the Boston Red Sox last season. In 4 starts with the Red Sox last season, Hill posted a 4.91 ERA.