Evaluating Jordan Hicks as Philadelphia Phillies Offseason Target
Dave Dombrowski doesn’t look like he’ll make the big splash by acquiring Shohei Ohtani. Juan Soto is off the market. Could free agent right-hander Jordan Hicks be a better match for the Philadelphia Phillies?
Jordan Hicks
The St. Louis Cardinals dealt Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline. He has pitched five seasons in the majors, accumulating a 3.85 career ERA.
He posted his best career mark in strikeouts per nine (SO/9) with 11.1 in 2023 and fell just short of his best single-season ERA at 3.29. A reliever with his ability to throw with high velocity will always draw interest on the open market.
The #STLCards are interested in a reunion with RHP Jordan Hicks, per Jon Heyman
— STL Sports Central (@stlsportscntrl) December 5, 2023
He mentions the Astros and the Rangers as other teams showing interest
(h/t: @CardinalsReek) pic.twitter.com/Iild2pyjCg
MLB Trade Rumors listed the Astros, Rangers, Cardinals, Orioles, Angels, and Red Sox as potential landing spots for Hicks. They project that he’ll cost about $40 million on a four-year contract. However, the list of interested teams could drive up the price.
Fit for Dombrowski, Phillies
Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez will likely be the main options at the back end of the Phillies bullpen in 2024. Gregory Soto and Orion Kerkering will have the opportunity to prove themselves as reliable options during the regular season.
However, the Phillies could use an upgrade over Craig Kimbrel. The nine-time All-Star signed with the Orioles on a one-year deal with a club option for 2025. He faltered for the Phillies in the 2023 MLB Playoffs despite an excellent career track record.
The Phillies are a long shot to land Ohtani. Josh Hader is the best available relief pitcher, but he might not be Dombrowski’s top target because of his age, durability issues, and price. The fireballer will turn 30 a week into the 2024 season.
Ricky Bottalico and Corey Seidman discussed Jordan Hicks as a better option than veteran Liam Hendricks or Phillies retreads David Robertson and Hector Neris.
Signing an MLB free agent on a four-year contract at age 27 isn’t a high-risk move that’ll break the bank for John Middleton. Dombrowski and the Phillies need to pounce on the opportunity to upgrade with a right-hander in an imperfect bullpen if they’re serious about capitalizing on their window of World Series contention.
If the Phillies aren’t one of the top teams interested, they’re missing an opportunity for a good fit.
The hot stove is heating up.
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) December 7, 2023
MLB's Winter Meetings are underway and it has the guys on @975JKShow thinking baseball.
Does it concern you that the Phillies do not go the traditional closer route?
Or are you comfortable picking a closer on a day by day basis?
📸Elsa/Getty Image pic.twitter.com/Wdh0dvmaB1