Right-hander Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants have reached an agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract, sources have informed ESPN. The intriguing aspect of this deal lies in the plan to transition Hicks from a bullpen role to a full-time starting pitcher.
Hicks, at 27, brings a wealth of experience as a starter, primarily during his two minor league seasons and a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022, where he participated in eight games as part of the rotation. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, Hicks possesses the physical attributes of a starter. Even with the potential dip in velocity due to the shift, he is expected to maintain his status as one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in baseball.
Sources reveal that Hicks could earn up to $2 million per year in performance bonuses, adding an extra incentive to the already significant contract.
Having been a highly sought-after relief pitcher during the 2023 trade deadline, Hicks was traded from the Cardinals to the Toronto Blue Jays. Throughout the season, he accumulated 81 strikeouts in 65⅔ innings across both teams, with an impressive record of saving 12 games and allowing just four home runs.
His fastball prowess is noteworthy, with a 100.3 mph average on his four-seam fastball, ranking second among all qualified pitchers, trailing only Jhoan Duran. Additionally, his sinker’s 101.1 mph average stands as the second-highest, trailing only Aroldis Chapman, according to Statcast.
Pending a physical examination, this deal further strengthens the Giants’ pitching options. While Logan Webb is a confirmed presence in San Francisco’s rotation, Hicks will join the competition alongside Ross Stripling, prospect Kyle Harrison, and Keaton Winn. Notably, the Giants have also acquired former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, expected to return after the All-Star break following Tommy John surgery, and veteran Alex Cobb, recovering from hip surgery and likely to miss the beginning of the season.
Hicks, recognized for his extraordinary fastball, made his debut in the Cardinals’ bullpen at the age of 21, just three years after being selected in the third round from a Houston-area high school. Despite setbacks, including Tommy John surgery and a COVID-shortened season due to preexisting health concerns, Hicks has showcased resilience. His 2022 season, predominantly with Toronto, marked a strong comeback, posting a 2.63 ERA in 25 games.
The Giants, known for their rotation fluctuations, are making strategic moves to solidify their pitching staff. If Hicks doesn’t secure a spot in the rotation, he could potentially team up with Camilo Doval to form one of the hardest-throwing back ends of a bullpen in baseball.
Hicks becomes the third significant free-agent signing for the Giants this winter, joining center fielder Jung Hoo Lee (six years, $113 million) and catcher Tom Murphy (two years, $8.25 million). The Giants are making bold moves as they gear up for the upcoming MLB season.blue