Jordan Hicks, a former Blue Jay, gets a four-year contract with the Giants, where he is likely to start games.
The fiery right-hander has agreed to a four-year, $44 million contract to pitch for the San Francisco Giants, according to Jeff Passan. Although Hicks has come out of the bullpen nearly his whole big league career, Passan continued, the Giants intend to stretch him out as a starter.
After being chosen in the third round of the 2015 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals out of high school, Hicks swiftly adapted to the team’s system. He earned a 2.97 ERA in 12 starts in the rookie league in 2016 and a 2.74 ERA in 22 appearances between low and high in 2017 before making his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 2018.
Hicks recorded a 3.59 ERA in 73 appearances out of the St. Louis bullpen during his rookie campaign, while also recording six saves. Hicks was getting closer to playing in 2019 thanks to the Cardinals, but he ended up needing Tommy John surgery after going on the disabled list in June.
Hicks began the 2022 season as St. Louis’ fifth starter after choosing not to participate in the 2020 campaign and missing the majority of the 2021 campaign because of an elbow injury. After making seven starts and recording a 5.84 ERA, he was placed back in the bullpen to finish the season.
In 2023, Hicks was back in the Cardinals’ bullpen. Before being traded to the Blue Jays before the trade deadline, he made 40 appearances and recorded a 3.67 ERA. Hicks made 25 appearances for the Blue Jays, compiling four saves and posting a 2.63 ERA in a role that fit him well in the late inning.
Hicks is the best relief pitcher available, according to MLB Trade Rumors, and was expected to get a four-year, $40 million deal this off-season. Based on this, it appears that the Giants are paying Hicks as a reliever in the hopes that he might develop into a productive starter. San Francisco also commonly utilizes openers and bulk arms in their pitching strategy, so Hicks will have the ability to pitch in a variety of different situations for the organization.
