Texas Rangers now leading Cardinals, Astros and Orioles in the race to land top experienced star

The hot stove is heating up as several teams, including the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Baltimore Orioles, express interest in acquiring the services of right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks this offseason, according to a report by Jon Heyman from the New York Post. While Hicks has been previously linked to the Cardinals and Orioles earlier in the offseason, the interest from the Rangers and Astros is a new development.

The Texas Rangers, fresh off their 2023 World Series triumph, are actively seeking bullpen reinforcements after facing significant struggles in that department last season. With a bullpen ERA of 4.77, ranking bottom-seven in the majors, and other metrics placing them in the bottom-ten, the Rangers are exploring options to shore up their relief corps. The team has been notably linked to top-tier closer Josh Hader, but the potential high cost of his contract has prompted the Rangers to consider alternatives. Hicks, with his projected four-year, $40 million price tag, offers an attractive blend of affordability and elite upside, marked by a triple-digit fastball and an impressive groundball rate of nearly 60%.

However, Rangers GM Chris Young has hinted at a more measured approach to spending this offseason compared to previous years, raising questions about their pursuit of top-tier free agents. If the Rangers decide to explore more cost-effective options, Hicks emerges as a viable alternative, especially considering his strong performance in the latter part of the 2023 season.

The Houston Astros, on the other hand, are in a somewhat different position. While their bullpen boasted a solid 3.56 ERA in 2023, ranking sixth in the league, the departure of key relievers like Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, and Phil Maton to free agency has left gaps in their bullpen. Despite having a strong back-end duo in closer Ryan Pressly and emerging talent Bryan Abreu, the Astros are actively searching for arms to fill the void left by these departures. Hicks, with his enticing mix of youth and potential, is a candidate for the Astros to consider, but financial constraints may limit their ability to secure his services.

General Manager Dana Brown has cautioned that the Astros have limited financial flexibility this offseason and are not keen on overpaying for bullpen arms. This financial restraint prompts speculation about whether the Astros may explore more budget-friendly options, potentially revisiting a reunion with Hector Neris, who had a successful stint with the team last year and is projected for a two-year, $15 million deal.

In conclusion, the pursuit of Jordan Hicks by these competitive teams adds intrigue to the evolving landscape of the offseason, with financial considerations and bullpen needs shaping the decisions of the Astros and Rangers as they aim to enhance their pitching staffs for the upcoming season.