Breaking: Jordan Hicks Signs Huge Deal To Become... A Starter?

Jordan Hicks was one of the top relievers available on the free agent market this winter, but according to reports, he's decided to take a crack at starting, signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.

BREAKING: Right-hander Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN. Hicks, 27, is expected to work as a starter after spending the majority of his career in the bullpen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 12, 2024

The size of the deal is particularly surprising for a pitcher who has very little experience as a starter.

The 27-year-old Hicks has spent the vast majority of his career as a triple-digit flamethrower out of the bullpen, making only eight starts of his 212 appearances in the big leagues.

Looking at the numbers, this move becomes even more surprising, as Hicks had a 5.47 ERA in those eight starts, while holding a 3.65 ERA as a reliever. He has 9.5 K per nine innings out of the bullpen, but only 8.5 K/9 in the rotation. He also has 32 saves on his resume as a part-time closer in St. Louis earlier in 2023, and also back in 2019.

Hicks finished last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, acting as a hard-throwing set-up man for closer Jordan Romano, but nabbing four saves along the way.

An interesting signing for the Giants, who were looking for another impact arm for their rotation. Should be interesting to see if Hicks can hang in the rotation. And if not, the Giants have a ready-made closing candidate.

Photo: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports