Oct 3, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (12) pitches in the in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Wildcard-Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins
(Bronx, NY) – The New York Yankees, fresh off their acquisition of All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, aren’t done remaking their roster.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Bronx Bombers are in talks to build up their bullpen arms – specifically with an eye on one of the market’s most attractive free agents.
Jordan Hicks, who started his career with the Cardinals and was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays at last year’s deadline, is being pursued by the Yankees.
Hicks is one of the game’s hardest throwers, and has averaged over 100 miles per hour on his four-seamer and sinker during his still-brief career.
New York also traded away four pitchers in the Soto trade, increasing their need for a guy like Hicks. He’s just 27-years-old and pitched to a 3.29 ERA during his time in St. Louis and Toronto last year. Hicks posted a strong strikeout rate (28.4%) with a walk rate (11.2%) that was below his career mark (12.8%). And his ground ball rate (58.9%) is generated by Hicks’ power sinker.
The Yankees have typically targeted relievers with a high ground ball rate in recent years.
