The average age of active players across the MLB in 2023 is around 27, but as of Opening Day, there are 10 active players aged 39 or older. In fact, the league's oldest player, Rich Hill of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is still on the mound at the age of 43.
The oldest player in MLB history is Satchel Paige, who played his final MLB game for the Kansas City Athletics on Sept. 25, 1965, at 59 years of age. His ability to stay in the game until he was almost 60 was obviously out of the ordinary, but there are still a few players proving that age is just a number when it comes to a career in baseball.
*Note, all ages are as of 2023 Opening Day.
Ranking Oldest MLB Players in 2023
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PLAYER | TEAM | AGE |
---|---|---|
Rich Hill | Pittsburgh Pirates | 43 |
Nelson Cruz | San Diego Padres | 42 |
Adam Wainwright | St. Louis Cardinals | 41 |
Justin Verlander | New York Mets | 40 |
Miguel Cabrera | Detroit Tigers | 39 |
Jesse Chavez | Atlanta Braves | 39 |
Joey Votto | Cincinnati Reds | 39 |
Zack Greinke | Kansas City Royals | 39 |
Charlie Morton | Atlanta Braves | 39 |
Craig Stammen | San Diego Padres | 39 |
At 43 years old, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Rich Hill is the oldest active MLB player. He made his MLB debut on June 15, 2005, for the Chicago Cubs, and since then, he's had stints with the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, and now the Pirates.