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The San Francisco Giants have made a significant move in the offseason by signing right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks to a four-year contract worth $44 million.
This deal, confirmed by league sources and reported by ESPN, solidifies the Giants’ pitching rotation and adds a power arm to their arsenal.
Hicks, known for his high-octane stuff, had an impressive 2023 season, posting a 3.29 ERA and a career-high 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings for the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays.
Let’s look into the details of this signing and explore how Hicks fits into the Giants’ plans for the upcoming season.
Hicks’ Performance and Scouting Report
At the age of 26, Hicks finally translated his raw talent into on-field success.
His power sinker, which combines missed bats with ground balls, has been his trademark pitch.
However, his command has been a challenge throughout his career.
Despite some inconsistencies, Hicks showcased his potential in 2023, allowing just 13 home runs in 1,041 plate appearances.
His average fastball velocity of 100.3 mph ranked second in the majors, highlighting his ability to overpower hitters.
Hicks’ Role in the Giants’ Rotation
The Giants’ pitching rotation was in flux before the signing of Hicks.
With Logan Webb as the only established starter, the team relied on inexperienced pitchers to fill out the rotation.
However, the additions of Robbie Ray and now Hicks provide stability and depth.
Ray and Alex Cobb will start the season on the injured list, so the Giants needed a reliable arm to complement Webb.
While Hicks has primarily been used as a reliever, the Giants plan to transition him into a starting pitcher.
This move will require careful management of his workload, as he won’t be able to handle a traditional starter’s innings right away.
Utilizing Piggy-Back Starters
To ease Hicks’ transition into the rotation, the Giants may utilize piggy-back starters.
This strategy involves pairing Hicks with another pitcher who can split the first five to six innings of a game.
Pitchers like Ross Stripling, Tristan Beck, and Keaton Winn, who have experience as both starters and relievers, could be potential options.
Additionally, Sean Hjelle, a right-hander with the ability to serve as a piggy-back starter or long reliever, offers another alternative.
This approach not only helps manage Hicks’ workload but also maximizes the strengths of the Giants’ pitching staff.
Hicks’ Fit in the Giants’ Groundball-Inducing Rotation
One of the Giants’ strengths in recent years has been their ability to induce groundballs.
Webb and Cobb, the top two groundball-inducing starters in 2023, were crucial contributors to the team’s success.
Hicks, with his sinker-heavy repertoire, seamlessly fits into this mold.
While he may not be a strikeout pitcher, his ability to generate weak contact and induce groundballs aligns with the Giants’ defensive philosophy.
The addition of Hicks further solidifies the Giants’ reputation as a team that excels at suppressing quality contact.
Jordan Hicks’ Performance in St. Louis and Transition to the Giants
Hicks’ performance with the Cardinals in 2022 was a mixed bag.
He was given an opportunity to start the season but struggled with reduced velocity and control issues.
Despite these challenges, the Cardinals allowed him to build up innings at the major-league level, which ultimately ended prematurely due to a forearm strain.
However, during his time with both the Cardinals and Blue Jays in 2023, Hicks made adjustments that led to better results.
Shifting to the opposite side of the rubber and altering his warm-up routine proved beneficial.
These changes, combined with his natural talent, contributed to his strong performance in the 2023 season.
Conclusion
The San Francisco Giants’ signing of Jordan Hicks to a four-year contract worth $44 million brings a power arm to their pitching rotation.
Hicks, with his high-octane stuff and sinkerball prowess, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Giants.
While he will need to adjust to the demands of being a starting pitcher, the Giants have a plan in place to manage his workload and maximize his impact.
With a strong defensive infield and a pitching staff that excels at inducing groundballs, Hicks seamlessly fits into the Giants’ strategy.
This signing not only strengthens the Giants’ chances for the upcoming season but also sets the stage for a promising future.
As Hicks continues to develop and harness his skills, the Giants have secured a talented pitcher who could become a cornerstone of their rotation for years to come.
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