New York Yankees Have Their Eyes On Another Big Name

The New York Yankees have shown a keen interest in acquiring Jordan Hicks, the flame-throwing right-handed pitcher, following their blockbuster trade that brought Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres.

This move has led to a focus on replenishing their pitching lineup, with Hicks being a prime target.

Hicks, known for his impressive velocity, has had a strong performance in the 2023 season, playing for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Yankees are eyeing Jordan Hicks. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vHZ8LzGZAr
— theScore (@theScore) December 7, 2023

He recorded a 3.29 ERA over 65.2 innings and demonstrated a strong 28.4% strikeout rate. His fastball, which averages over 100 mph, is a standout feature of his pitching style.

However, Hicks' career has been marked by some challenges, particularly in terms of health.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and has had to navigate other elbow and flexor issues in the following years.

The #Yankees have expressed interest in free-agent RHP Jordan Hicks, per @ChrisKirschner and @BrendanKutyNJ pic.twitter.com/wp3c5iUjXL
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) December 7, 2023

Despite these concerns, his youth (27 years old) and his recent performance make him an attractive free agent in the market.

The Yankees' interest in Hicks aligns with their historical preference for pitchers with high ground-ball rates, as evidenced by their previous acquisitions.

While Hicks' durability might be a question, his elite velocity, ground-ball rate, and strikeout capability, coupled with his relatively young age, present a significant upside.

The Yankees, having traded four pitchers in the Soto deal, are actively seeking to strengthen their bullpen and rotation, with Hicks being a potential key addition to their lineup. Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports