The Boston Red Sox desperately need immediate help on the mound at virtually every level of their pitching roster. From starting pitchers to the middle relievers coming out of the bullpen, Boston needs to have stronger outings from their pitchers, and it's just not something they have right now.
That could all change in the near future with Jordan Hicks preparing to be called to Boston sooner than later after a few rehab sessions in Worcester over the last couple of weeks since he was traded from San Francisco as part of the Rafael Devers trade.
Hicks arrived to the Red Sox while on the IL with a right toe inflammation. But since being with Worcester, he’s progressed well in his rehab, and he’s feeling confident and ready to contribute to Boston, as he told reporters during pregame in Boston on Sunday.
In a rehab game on Friday in Worcester, Hicks hit 100.1 MPH on his sinker and provided a scoreless inning of work.
"I feel really good, confident with myself. After the second outing, I really like where the 4-seamer was at, mixing that with the sinker and a new slider- I wouldn’t say new, but bringing back an older one, a little more firm. Decided to also add the splitter. I’m really confident right now with my stuff."Red Sox pitcher Jordan Hicks
In his arsenal, Hicks uses his sinker more than any other pitch. He also has a curveball, a changeup, a four-seam fastball, a sweeper, a splitter, and he recently added a new slider that he’s tweaked since being with Worcester.
Hicks will be a welcoming addition for Boston’s struggling pitching staff. It’s worth mentioning that the Red Sox made a push for Hicks when he was a free agent after the 2023 season, but ultimately lost that bid to San Francisco.
Now that Hicks is finally with Boston, he is excited to be with a team that truly wants him.
“I was really excited to hear that it was a team that was pursuing me in free agency and that I get to be part of a young squad. I’m just really excited to play for this historic organization. … I’m just excited to be here and be wanted.”
Hicks will join Boston’s bullpen as a high-leverage reliever that can be the “set up man” for the closer. There’s also the possibility that he could become a closer if the Red Sox were to trade away Aroldis Chapman, as he’s going to be highly coveted by the trade deadline.