San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Giants have reached a four-year, $44MM agreement with right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, according to reports from Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Giants plan to utilize Hicks as a starting pitcher rather than a reliever. This move may come as a surprise to some, but Hicks has previous experience as a starter in the minors and briefly transitioned to the rotation with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022.
Known for his incredible velocity, Hicks is among the elite when it comes to sheer speed on his pitches, consistently throwing above 100 mph. Along with his blazing fastball, he also possesses a slider that sits at around 86.5 mph. While rarely using changeups in the past, Hicks has thrown them with an average velocity of 91.8 mph.
However, durability has been a concern for Hicks throughout his career. He has never pitched more than 105 innings in any season, and he has dealt with several injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2019 and a flexor strain that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2022 season. Despite these setbacks, Hicks has shown glimpses of his overpowering potential and boasts a career ERA of 3.85.
In 2023, Hicks posted an impressive 3.29 ERA with a 28.4% strikeout rate and a 58.3% ground-ball rate in a combined total of 65 1/3 innings between the Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Giants, known for their ability to develop pitchers, will likely limit Hicks’ innings in the upcoming season to ensure his health. They may use him in a piggyback role or give him occasional relief appearances.
With the Giants’ track record of success in maximizing their pitchers’ potential, the team is optimistic that Hicks will thrive in his new role as a starter. The 27-year-old flamethrower brings a dynamic skill set to the rotation, and if he can stay healthy and maintain his effectiveness, he could see an increased workload in 2025.
The Giants have made a significant investment in Hicks, and they will be eager for him to contribute to their pitching staff. While there are challenges ahead in managing his workload, Hicks’ potential and raw talent make him an exciting addition to the team.
In conclusion, the San Francisco Giants have signed Jordan Hicks to a four-year contract worth $44MM. The hard-throwing right-hander will be given an opportunity to prove himself as a starter after spending time in the bullpen. With his exceptional velocity and repertoire of pitches, Hicks has the potential to make a significant impact for the Giants. However, his injury history and lack of innings pitched raise some concerns. The Giants will carefully manage his workload in the upcoming season while aiming to tap into his immense talent.