Several teams in the American League, including the Astros, Rangers, Cardinals, and Orioles, are expressing interest in acquiring the services of hard-throwing right-hander Jordan Hicks during the ongoing offseason. This information comes from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who notes that while the Cardinals and Orioles had previously shown interest in the 27-year-old pitcher earlier in the offseason, the connections to the Rangers and Astros are newly established.
The Texas Rangers emerge as a logical destination for Hicks, considering their recent struggles in the bullpen during the 2023 season. Despite clinching the World Series title, the Rangers faced significant challenges with their relief pitching, ranking among the bottom teams in ERA, FIP, and fWAR. While the team has been linked to top-tier closer Josh Hader, there are concerns about the potential high cost of acquiring him in free agency. General Manager Chris Young has hinted at a more cautious approach to spending this offseason, making Hicks an attractive, more cost-effective alternative. Hicks, known for his triple-digit fastball and strong groundball rates, could offer elite upside as a late-inning reliever.
Although Hicks has battled control and injury issues throughout his career, he showcased an impressive career-high strikeout rate of 28.4% in the recent season. Despite a shaky start to the season, his performance significantly improved, boasting a 2.40 ERA and 2.59 FIP in the latter part of the year. The Astros, with their solid relief corps led by Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu, may seem like a less obvious fit. However, they have lost key bullpen pieces to free agency, creating a need for reinforcements. Financial constraints may impact the Astros’ pursuit of Hicks, given their other offseason priorities, such as securing a backup catcher, addressing the bullpen, and potentially adding a left-handed bat to their roster.
While the addition of Hicks to the Astros’ bullpen could create a formidable trio with Abreu and Pressly, the team’s financial limitations might prompt them to explore more economical options. One potential alternative could be a reunion with Hector Neris, a reliever the Astros have been in contact with, according to reports. Neris, who performed well last season, is projected for a two-year, $15 million deal, making him a potentially more financially feasible option for the Astros. Ultimately, the offseason dynamics and financial considerations will play a crucial role in determining where Hicks lands for the upcoming season.
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