As per a report by MLB insider Jon Heyman and Jeff Passan of ESPN, right-hander Jordan Hicks is poised to transition into a regular starting pitcher role after sealing a notable four-year, $44 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. This information comes from a reliable source close to the negotiation, however, the club has yet to officially confirm the agreement.
Hicks, aged 27, has predominantly served as a reliever throughout his career, making only eight starts in 212 appearances over five seasons. Last season, he emerged as a highly sought-after relief pitcher during the trade deadline, moving from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for two prospects. Impressively, Hicks recorded 81 strikeouts in 65⅔ innings between both teams, allowing a mere four home runs while securing 12 saves. Following the trade, he showcased a stellar 2.63 ERA in 25 relief appearances for the Blue Jays.
Known for his exceptional velocity, Hicks holds the distinction of delivering two of the fastest pitches (105-plus mph) in the pitch-tracking era since 2008. Furthermore, he is coming off a standout season, where he shifted exclusively to pitching out of the bullpen.
There are some questions among fans about why the Giants would want to make him a starter considering his success from the bullpen.
Statistically, Hicks ranked second among all qualified pitchers with a 100.3 mph average on his four-seam fastball, trailing only Jhoan Duran (101.8 mph). Additionally, his sinker averaged 101.1 mph, placing him second behind Aroldis Chapman, according to Statcast.
Is There a Concern With Hicks’ Injury History?
Hicks’ journey has been marred by injury setbacks, including Tommy John surgery in June 2019 and a subsequent hiatus from the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He had preexisting health concerns related to his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in high school. If there is any reason this deal might not pan out well, if it’s injuries and illness continue to play a factor.
His return in 2021 was included another setback with right elbow discomfort. That led to an early May stint on the injured list and no further participation in the season.
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