Jordan Hicks to start for Giants after $44M deal, source says

Right-hander Jordan Hicks is set to become a regular starting pitcher after agreeing to a four-year, $44 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Friday.

Hicks, 27, had spent the majority of his career in the bullpen, with eight major league starts in 212 appearances over five seasons.

Perhaps the most sought-after relief pitcher at the trade deadline last season, Hicks was dealt from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Toronto Blue Jays for two prospects. He had 81 strikeouts in 65⅔ innings between the two teams last season, allowing just four home runs while saving 12 games. After the trade, he posted a 2.63 ERA in 25 relief appearances for the Blue Jays.

Among all qualified pitchers, his 100.3 mph average on his four-seam fastball was second in the majors to Jhoan Duran (101.8 mph), and his 101.1 mph average on his sinker was second only to Aroldis Chapman, according to Statcast.

Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2019 after saving 14 games in 15 opportunities for the Cardinals. Uncertain if he would pitch, Hicks then opted out of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, citing preexisting health concerns as he was diagnosed in high school with Type 1 diabetes.

He returned in 2021, only to again experience another setback with right elbow discomfort. He went on the injured list in early May and did not pitch again that season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.