Veteran pitcher Jordan Hicks is a right-hander who knows how to start and close games. Now in his eighth Major League season, Hicks is in his first with the Chicago White Sox. The Texas native was a third-round selection in the 2015 draft out of high school by the St. Louis Cardinals and reached the Major Leagues at age 21.
He literally turned heads in his rookie season. On May 20, he recorded a pitch that registered over 105 mph in a game against the Phillies, tying for the 10th-fastest pitch ever recorded. Hicks appeared in 79 games in the 2018 season with a 3.59 ERA.
Overcoming an injury is something that any pitcher who strives for longevity might have to endure. Hicks ran into adversity in his second big league season.
He began 2019 as a closer with the Cardinals and had 14 saves with an ERA of 3.14 when he underwent Tommy John surgery in June of that year. His arm was definitely in motion as he finished the season with 45 percent of his pitches over 100 MPH, and he had the 21 fastest pitches thrown that season.
While recovering from the injury, the Covid season of 2020 happened. Hicks didn’t see action until spring training of 2021. The first batter he would face truly was one for the record books as he ultimately walked Mets Shortstop Luis Guillorme in a 22-pitch at bat, which is a Major League record.
Unfortunately, he would be limited to just ten innings that season because of elbow inflammation and ultimately would be traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023.
The trade seemed to be where Hicks transitioned and took a bit off of his fastball and mixed up his pitches. He was effective in Toronto, helping the Blue Jays to the playoffs as he posted an Earned Run Average of 2.53 in 25 appearances. The San Francisco Giants took notice and signed him to a four-year contract that offseason.
With a change in pitch selection, better efficiency, and consistent mechanics, his new organization decided to make him a starter, something he hadn’t done since 2022. But Hicks began to struggle in his year and a half with the Giants and was traded to the Boston Red Sox on June 15, 2025.
As a member of the Chicago White Sox, Hicks finds himself at a pivotal point in his career, one defined less by potential and more by responsibility. He is with his fifth team in four seasons, and the expectations are now clearer than ever.
The White Sox are looking for stability on the mound, and Hicks has an opportunity to provide exactly that. He’s no longer the flame thrower that he once was, but he can certainly provide consistency and durability that will help anchor a staff that is searching for dependable innings. The 29-year-old has made 37 career starts and has saved 36 games. His numbers this season may not be eye-catching, but Hicks is still a guy who can help a team on the mound.
