Two teams from the American League, aiming for a return to the World Series in 2024, are currently in the pursuit of free-agent reliever Jordan Hicks, as reported by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
“His hometown Houston Astros and the New York Yankees — both of them expect to be in October, both of them need some late inning bullpen help,” Morosi said of the leading contenders to add Hicks this offseason.
Hicks has the potential to make a more significant impact on a playoff team than his career statistics might indicate. Throughout his five-year MLB career, the hard-throwing right-hander has maintained a 3.85 ERA. However, his performance notably improved in the latter part of the previous season, particularly after his trade from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the ten games he finished for the Jays, Hicks demonstrated a remarkable 2.63 ERA and recorded 22 strikeouts, with only two homers allowed. This resurgence positions him as a valuable asset for a team that believes a little extra support could propel them into deep playoff runs in both the present and future.
“The figures that Hicks put up in the second half … they stand out to me,” Morosi added. “Hicks’ stuff is so good, that explosive fastball is so unhittable… Those numbers with the Blue Jays affirm that ability.”
While Hicks hails from Houston, the Yankees might offer a more intriguing destination for him. The Yankees strategically utilized their pitching depth to secure Juan Soto, a left-handed power hitter, in a major acquisition, enhancing their chances of Soto winning the AL MVP award with his new team. If the Yankees can reinforce their pitching staff, they appear well-positioned for success in the postseason.
On the other hand, the Astros are coming off a season with a top-10 ERA but could face a weakened bullpen following the departure of free agent Hector Neris. Despite having a projected roster that includes All-Star closer Ryan Pressly and formidable setup man Bryan Abreu, the Astros have been consistently linked to Hicks in recent weeks.
“The Astros could potentially groom him to replace Pressly, who is under contract in 2024 but has a mutual option with the Astros in 2025,” Matthew Postins wrote. “In the meantime, Hicks could join the arsenal of set-up men that should help the Astros contend in 2024.”
No matter the destination, it appears that Hicks has positioned himself as a valuable asset for several perennial playoff contenders.
