Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Sources: Hicks agrees with Giants, set to start

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Friday, 12 January 2024 10:13

Right-hander Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract, sources told ESPN, with the plan being to convert him from the bullpen into a full-time starter.

Hicks, 27, has experience as a starter, working there almost exclusively in his two minor league seasons and spending eight games in the rotation with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he has a starter's build, and even if his velocity recedes with the move, he will still be among the hardest-throwing pitchers in baseball.

A source said Hicks can also make up to $2 million per year in performance bonuses.

Perhaps the most sought-after relief pitcher at the 2023 trade deadline, Hicks was dealt from the Cardinals to the Toronto Blue Jays for two prospects. He finished the season with 81 strikeouts in 65 innings between the two teams, allowing just four home runs while saving 12 games.

Among all qualified pitchers, his 100.3 mph average on his four-seam fastball was second in the majors to Jhoan Duran (101.8 mph) and his 101.1 mph average on his sinker was second only to Aroldis Chapman, according to Statcast.

The deal, which is pending a physical, adds Hicks to a deep complement of starting options. Ace Logan Webb is the only guarantee in San Francisco's rotation, with Hicks, right-hander Ross Stripling, left-handed prospect Kyle Harrison and right-hander Keaton Winn also vying for spots. San Francisco traded for former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, who is expected back from Tommy John surgery after the All-Star break, while veteran Alex Cobb is expected to miss the beginning of the season following hip surgery.

Hicks is best known for his blazing fastball, a pitch that dips and darts with uncommon movement for its velocity. He debuted in St. Louis' bullpen at 21, less than three years after the Cardinals chose him in the third round out of a Houston-area high school.

He had Tommy John surgery in June 2019 after saving 14 games in 15 opportunities for the Cardinals. Hicks then opted out of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, citing preexisting health concerns, as he was diagnosed in high school with Type 1 diabetes. He returned in 2021, only to experience another setback with right elbow discomfort. He went on the injured list in early May and did not pitch again that season.

When he came back in 2022, Hicks built up to start, throwing 24 innings over seven games with a 5.84 ERA before going on the injured list. He returned as a reliever -- and opened one July game -- and stayed in the bullpen through the end of last season. In his 25 games with Toronto, Hicks posted a 2.63 ERA and finished strong in the best season of his big league career.

San Francisco has cycled through a litany of starting pitchers in recent years, with Stripling, Winn, Sean Manaea, Alex Wood and Jakob Junis all pitching out of the bullpen as well last season as the Giants went 79-83 and fired manager Gabe Kapler. If Hicks doesn't remain in the rotation, he would join Camilo Doval and make up the hardest-throwing back end of a bullpen in baseball.

Hicks is the third free agent to sign with the Giants this winter, joining center fielder Jung Hoo Lee (six years, $113 million) and catcher Tom Murphy (two years, $8.25 million).

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Read 111 times

Soccer

Maresca warns against piling pressure on Palmer

Maresca warns against piling pressure on Palmer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsChelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said he does not want to pile pres...

Pep to lean on academy amid injury 'emergency'

Pep to lean on academy amid injury 'emergency'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is willing to lea...

Everything you need to know about Rúben Amorim

Everything you need to know about Rúben Amorim

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United have agreed to a deal bringing Sporting CP coach...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Wemby has 5x5 game in Spurs' win over Jazz

Wemby has 5x5 game in Spurs' win over Jazz

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSALT LAKE CITY -- Victor Wembanyama had the second 5x5 game of his...

Jazz's Markkanen (back spasms) sits vs. Spurs

Jazz's Markkanen (back spasms) sits vs. Spurs

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen sat out Thursda...

Baseball

All-October team: The stars who ruled the 2024 playoffs

All-October team: The stars who ruled the 2024 playoffs

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2024 World Series ended with the Los Angeles Dodgers winning th...

Rays' Franco sexual abuse trial to begin Dec. 12

Rays' Franco sexual abuse trial to begin Dec. 12

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco's trial in the Dominican Rep...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated