Nicolas grew up in Massillon,Ohio and attended Jackson High School,where he played baseball and basketball. He won state titles in both sports as a senior and was named the Federal League Co-Player of the Year in baseball after going 8–0 with a save and a 0.50 ERA on the mound while also batting .349 with 24 RBIs.[1][2]
On November 29, 2021, Nicolas was traded along with Zach Thompson and Connor Scott to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Jacob Stallings.[9] He spent the 2022 season with the Double–A Altoona Curve, making 24 appearances (22 starts) and posting a 3.97 ERA with 101 strikeouts across 90+2⁄3 innings pitched.[10]
In 2023, Nicolas made 35 appearances (18 starts) split between Double–A Altoona and the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, registering a cumulative 4–7 record and 5.20 ERA with 127 strikeouts and 2 saves in 98+2⁄3 innings pitched.[11] On September 19, 2023, Nicolas had his contract selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[12] In 4 appearances during his rookie campaign, he struggled to an 11.81 ERA with 7 strikeouts across 5+1⁄3 innings pitched.
Nicolas was optioned to Triple–A Indianapolis to begin the 2024 season.[13] He made 51 appearances for Pittsburgh in 2024, compiling a 2-2 record and 3.95 ERA with 55 strikeouts across 54+2⁄3 innings pitched.
Nicolas was again optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the 2025 season.[14]
Personal life
From Massillon, OH Nicolas is the nephew of former Penn State and NFL quarterback Todd Blackledge.[15]
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