Jordan Hicks (baseball)

Last updated

15+2⁄3 innings, along with hitting up to 102.6 miles per hour (165.1 km/h).

St. Louis Cardinals

2018–2020

Hicks was a non-roster invitee to 2018 spring training. [9] He made St. Louis' Opening Day roster [10] despite not having ever pitched above Class A-Advanced. He made his major league debut against the New York Mets and produced the highest average fastball velocity of the day at 100.4 miles per hour (161.6 km/h). [11] He pitched one scoreless inning in which he earned his first strikeout against Jay Bruce. On April 21, Hicks earned his first major league win when he pitched the final 2+1⁄3 innings—all scoreless—versus the Cincinnati Reds to help seal a 4–3 victory. [12]

On May 20, Hicks threw the fastest pitch in MLB history, at 105.1 miles per hour (169.1 km/h). He shares this record with Aroldis Chapman. [13] [14] His four-seam fastball and sinker had the second- and third-highest average speeds of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2018, at 100.5 miles per hour (161.7 km/h) and 100.4 miles per hour (161.6 km/h). [14] He continued to garner attention throughout the season as one of the hardest throwing pitchers in MLB. [15] Hicks finished his 2018 rookie campaign with a 3–4 record with six saves, a 3.59 ERA, and a 1.34 WHIP, striking out 70 batters in 77+2⁄3 relief innings. [16]

Hicks began the 2019 season as St. Louis' closer. [17] On June 22, 2019, Hicks was removed from a game with elbow irritation and discomfort, and was originally diagnosed with triceps tendinitis. [18] On June 24, it was revealed he had a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. [19] On June 25, 2019, Hicks opted to have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, putting him out for the rest of the 2019. [20] He officially underwent the surgery on June 26. [21] For the 2019 season, Hicks compiled a 2–2 record with 14 saves and a 3.14 ERA, striking out 31 batters in 28+1⁄3 innings. [22]

In 2019, his four-seam fastball was on average the fastest in major league baseball, at 100.9 miles per hour (162.4 km/h). [23] His average pitch velocity was the highest in MLB, at 101.1 miles per hour (162.7 km/h). [24] He threw the fastest pitch of the season, at 104.3 miles per hour (167.9 km/h). [25]

On July 13, 2020, Hicks, who has Type 1 diabetes, announced he would be skipping the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [26]

2021–2023

On March 14, 2021, Hicks was involved in a 22-pitch at-bat during a spring training game against the New York Mets. Mets shortstop Luis Guillorme fouled off 16 pitches before ultimately drawing a walk. This is, to date, the longest at-bat in terms of number of pitches in Major League History. [27]

In early May, Hicks was placed on the injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow. [28] On May 14, Hicks was transferred to the 60-day injured list. [29] He made two rehab starts, but did not make an appearance for the Cardinals for the rest of the season. [30] He was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Glendale Desert Dogs after the season. [31]

Hicks signed a one-year, $937,500 contract with the Cardinals to avoid salary arbitration on March 22. [32] On April 6, one day before Opening Day, the Cardinals announced that Hicks would be the team's fifth starter in the absence of Jack Flaherty. [33]

On January 13, 2023, Hicks agreed to a one-year, $1.8375 million contract with the Cardinals, avoiding salary arbitration. [34]

Toronto Blue Jays

On July 30, 2023, the Cardinals traded Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitchers Adam Kloffenstein and Sem Robberse. [35] [36] He was the first Blue Jays player to be issued the uniform number #12 since Edwin Encarnación in 2010 (the number had originally been retired for Roberto Alomar in 2011, however the Blue Jays quietly unretired it in 2021 following allegations of sexual misconduct committed by Alomar). [37] He became a free agent after the season.

San Francisco Giants

On January 18, 2024, Hicks signed a four-year contract worth $44 million with the San Francisco Giants. [38] While he was primarily a reliever at that point, he was converted into a starting pitcher for the Giants. [39]

Pitching style

Hicks is one of the hardest throwers in the major leagues, and has been clocked as throwing as hard as 105 miles per hour (169 km/h). [40] At the start of his professional baseball career, his pitch velocity was inconsistent and he had various mechanical issues. While pitching in an All-Star game, Hicks decided to throw as hard as he could, and reached 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) twice. His velocity and overall mechanics began improving, and he continued pitching in the Arizona Fall League after the 2017 season ended, where he regularly threw 100 mph and above. [41] While starting for the San Francisco Giants, his velocity fell as he worked on preserving his arm over multiple innings, rarely throwing above 96 mph. [42]

Personal life

Hicks was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was a junior in high school. [43]

Hicks grew up a Houston Astros fan. [41]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Bard</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Daniel Paul Bard is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Boston Red Sox from 2009 to 2013. In 2011, Bard set a Red Sox team record with 25 consecutive scoreless appearances. His highest velocity pitch was 102 miles per hour (164 km/h). In subsequent years, Bard experienced a loss of control over his pitches, derailing his playing career. After pitching in only two major league games in 2013, he played for several minor league teams before retiring in 2017 to become a player mentor. In 2020, Bard returned as a player after regaining his control, earned a spot on the Rockies' MLB roster, and went on to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award as their closing pitcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seung-hwan Oh</span> South Korean baseball player (born 1982)

Seung-hwanOh is a South Korean professional baseball relief pitcher for the Samsung Lions of the KBO League. He previously played for the Lions in South Korea, the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan, and the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is known as "Dol-bucheo" for being unshaken and maintaining an emotionless face in every situation. His prowess as a relief pitcher also earned him the nickname "Kkeut-pan Wang", in South Korea and among Cardinals fans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aroldis Chapman</span> Cuban-American baseball pitcher (born 1988)

Albertín Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers and in the Cuban National Series for Holguín. Chapman bats and throws left-handed, and is nicknamed "the Cuban Missile", due to his high fastball velocity. A member of the 300 save club, Chapman is the all-time leader in strikeouts for left-handed relievers, and he is regarded as one of the greatest closers of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Axford</span> Canadian baseball player (born 1983)

John Berton Axford, nicknamed "Ax Man", is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lance Lynn</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Michael Lance Lynn is an American professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Cishek</span> American baseball player (born 1986)

Steven R. Cishek is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Cishek played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida / Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals. He holds the Marlins franchise record for consecutive saves, with 33 in a row.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Rosenthal</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Trevor Jordan Rosenthal is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres. A power pitcher, Rosenthal is known for a fastball that is difficult for hitters to pick up and reaches velocities at or over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). He throws and bats right-handed, stands 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall, and weighs 230 pounds (100 kg).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlos Martínez (pitcher, born 1991)</span> Dominican baseball player

Carlos Ernesto Martínez, nicknamed "Tsunami", is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Olmecas de Tabasco of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals. Originally signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in 2009, MLB voided his contract due to discrepancies over his name and date of birth after the revelation that he was also known as Carlos Matias. However, he was eventually cleared of wrongdoing, as it was found that the inconsistencies arose from poor record keeping.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Gausman</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Kevin John Gausman, nicknamed "Gaus", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. Before his professional career, Gausman attended Louisiana State University (LSU) and played college baseball for the LSU Tigers, with whom he was an All-American. The Orioles selected him in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2013. He was an All-Star in 2021 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Wacha</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Michael Joseph Wacha is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres. He played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Morgan (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Adam Christopher Morgan is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Bassitt</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Christopher Michael Bassitt is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2014 and has also played for the Oakland Athletics and New York Mets. Prior to playing professionally, he starred for his basketball and baseball teams at Genoa Area High School and the University of Akron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Reyes</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Alexander Reyes is a Dominican–American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 2012, and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the team in 2016.

Below is a partial list of players in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league organization and rosters of their minor league affiliates. Players individually listed here have not yet played in Major League Baseball (MLB), but have reached an advanced level of achievement or notoriety. Some notable players in the minor leagues may have their own profile pages, such as first-round draft picks. Note that anyone with a past MLB appearance has their own profile page, even if they are currently playing in the minor leagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Statcast</span> Statistical analysis tool developed for and used by Major League Baseball

Statcast is a high-speed, high-accuracy, automated tool developed to analyze player movements and athletic abilities in Major League Baseball (MLB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandy Alcántara</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1995)

Sandy Alcántara Montero is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seranthony Domínguez</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1994)

Seranthony Ambioris Domínguez Taveras is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies. Domínguez signed with the Phillies as an international free agent in 2011, and made his MLB debut in 2018.

Adam Kloffenstein is an American professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camilo Doval</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1997)

Camilo Doval is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the Giants as a free agent in 2015, and made his MLB debut with them in 2021. His fastball has reached 104.5 miles per hour (168.2 km/h).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 St. Louis Cardinals season</span> Major League Baseball season

The 2023 St. Louis Cardinals season was the 142nd season for the St. Louis Cardinals, a Major League Baseball franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. It was the 132nd season for the Cardinals in the National League and their 18th at Busch Stadium III. They entered the season as the defending NL Central champions.

References

  1. ↑ "OPPORTUNITY SEEKER: JORDAN HICKS". The Dynasty Guru. April 9, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Tulane baseball haul on early signing day is nine players". The Times-Picayune. November 14, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  3. ↑ "BASEBALL: Cy Creek's Hicks drafted by Cardinals". June 9, 2015.
  4. ↑ "2015 Draft: Signing and Bonus Tracker". MLB.com. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Chiefs' Hicks dials up 99 mph, Trosclair steals 2 bases to help West win MWL All-Star Game". Journal Star.
  6. ↑ "Harrison Bader & Jordan Hicks Earn Cardinals Minor League Honors for July – Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News – Franklin County News". August 5, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Jordan Hicks". MiLB.com. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  8. ↑ Goold, Derrick (September 1, 2017). "Elite prospects Alcantara, Hicks among eight young Cards headed to AFL". St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Cardinals invite 23 non-roster players to Spring Training". Viva El Birdos. February 5, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Cardinals Release Official 2018 Opening Day Roster". KMOX-AM. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  11. ↑ Edwards, John (March 29, 2018). "Cardinals' Jordan Hicks makes historic, hard-throwing debut vs. Mets". The Sporting News . Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  12. ↑ Trezza, Joe (April 21, 2018). "Yadi's go-ahead homer pushes Cards to win". MLB.com. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  13. ↑ Duffley, John (July 21, 2020). "The Fastest Pitch Ever is Quicker Than the Blink of an Eye". FANBUZZ. Wide Open Media Group. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  14. 1 2 "Statcast". Major League Baseball.
  15. ↑ "Jordan Hicks has cemented himself as the hardest-throwing pitcher in baseball". September 8, 2018.
  16. ↑ Schaeffer, Brenden. "St. Louis Cardinals 2018 player grades: Bullpen". KMOV.com.
  17. ↑ "Jordan Hicks working on slider as competition for St. Louis Cardinals closer continues". KMOX-AM. March 4, 2019.
  18. ↑ Goold, Derrick (June 22, 2019). "Cardinals call diagnosis 'favorable' after closer Hicks leaves game with irritation, cramping near elbow". stltoday.com.
  19. ↑ "Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks has torn UCL". MLB.com. June 24, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Cardinals closer Hicks to have TJ surgery". MLB.com. June 25, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  21. ↑ "Hicks has successful Tommy John surgery". MLB.com .
  22. ↑ "Jordan Hicks Stats".
  23. ↑ "Statcast Pitch Arsenals Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com". Baseballsavant.mlb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Statcast | MLB.com". M.mlb.com. May 24, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  25. ↑ "Statcast | MLB.com". M.mlb.com. May 24, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  26. ↑ "St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks opts out of 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns". The St. Louis American. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Amazin' at-bat: Mets' Guillorme draws 22-pitch walk vs Hicks". apnews.com. Associated Press. March 15, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Cardinals' Jordan Hicks becomes third St. Louis pitcher to land on injured list in past week". May 4, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Cardinals Place Paul DeJong on 10-Day IL, Select Max Moroff". May 14, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Hicks, Gorman among Cards heading to AFL". MLB.com .
  31. ↑ "Cardinals announce 2021 Arizona Fall League selections". MLB.com .
  32. ↑ "Report: Cardinals, Flaherty avoid arbitration, settle on salary for 2022 season". March 22, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Cardinals name Jordan Hicks No. 5 starter". April 6, 2022.
  34. ↑ "2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  35. ↑ Axisa, Mike (July 30, 2023). "Jordan Hicks trade: Blue Jays land flame-throwing reliever from Cardinals ahead of deadline". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  36. ↑ Passan, Jeff (July 30, 2023). "Toronto Blue Jays acquire Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  37. ↑ Jarden, Sam (July 31, 2023). "Why is Jordan Hicks wearing No. 12 for Blue Jays? How Roberto Alomar's former number was unretired". Sporting News. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  38. ↑ Guardado, Maria; Maguire, Brent (January 18, 2024). "Jordan Hicks agrees to 4-year deal with Giants". MLB.com. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  39. ↑ DeRosa, Theo (April 21, 2024). "Jordan Hicks' transition to starting rotation". MLB.com. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  40. ↑ Lupica, Mike (May 21, 2018). "Hicks brings the heat back to St. Louis". MLB.com. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
  41. 1 2 Matz, Eddie (May 6, 2019). "106 or bust? How Jordan Hicks learned he could throw faster than anyone on Earth". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
  42. ↑ "With lesser velocity, Hicks still refuses to slow down vs. Rockies". NBC Sports Bay Area & California. May 20, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  43. ↑ Hochman, Benjamin (June 11, 2018). "Hochman: 'Diabetic Phenom' — that's Cardinals rookie Jordan Hicks". stltoday.com.
Jordan Hicks
Jhicksprofile cardinals2018.jpg
Hicks with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018
San Francisco Giants – No. 12
Pitcher
Born: (1996-09-06) September 6, 1996 (age 28)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
March 29, 2018, for the St. Louis Cardinals
San Francisco Giants current roster
Active roster
Inactive roster
Injured list
60-day Injured list
Paternity list
Coaching Staff
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.