Headlines

  • Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez
  • Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff
  • Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Bobby Jenks Passes Away
  • Braves Release Alex Verdugo
  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Cardinals To Add Jordan Hicks To Opening Day Roster

By Mark Polishuk | March 27, 2018 at 5:09pm CDT

The Cardinals will include right-hander Jordan Hicks on their 25-man roster, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports, with the move becoming official on Wednesday or Thursday morning.  Righty John Brebbia will be optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding transactions once Hicks’ contract has been selected.

A third-round pick for St. Louis in the 2015 draft, Hicks has looked good in Spring Training, posting a 2.35 ERA and recording eight strikeouts against just one walk over 7 2/3 innings.  Despite this strong performance, this is quite an aggressive promotion for the Cards, as Hicks will be entirely skipping both Double-A and Triple-A en route to the majors.  He posted good but not dominant numbers (2.82 ERA, 7.4 K/9, 1.85 K/BB rate) over 165 2/3 innings in the minors and was a well-regarded but not elite prospect, ranked as the sixth-best minor leaguer in the Cardinals’ farm system by both Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus.

[Updated Cardinals depth chart at Roster Resource]

Despite this lack of a standout pedigree, Hicks obviously impressed Cardinals officials during the spring and offers even more potential as a bullpen weapon.  Just three of Hicks’ 34 career appearances in the minors have come as a reliever, though the 2018 Baseball America Prospect Handbook predicted that relief pitching could be Hicks’ ultimate future due to some issues with his control and command.  Hicks offers an arsenal of two excellent pitches that would seem to lend itself to bullpen work, including a power curveball “that draws plus-plus grades from evaluators,” according to BA.  He is best known, however, for a fastball that routinely averages in the mid-90’s, and he has touched the 102-mph threshold this spring.

This type of velocity could be even more dangerous in short bursts as a reliever, and Hicks’ inclusion on the roster adds another fascinating wrinkle to the Cardinals’ closing situation.  Luke Gregerson was signed this winter to ostensibly work as the St. Louis closer, though it seems as if the team will take something of a situational approach to the ninth inning, especially since Gregerson will start the season on the DL.  Tyler Lyons and Dominic Leone look like the top choices for saves right now, though there have been rumors that the Cards are still interested in free agent Greg Holland.  Should Hicks impress early in the season, however, his power arm could quickly move him up the depth chart and potentially get him into the closer mix as well.

Share 0 Retweet 10 Send via email0

St. Louis Cardinals Transactions Jordan Hicks

Dodgers Designate Trayce Thompson, Claim Cory Mazzoni From Cubs
Main
Latest On Giants’ Pitching Injuries
View Comments (31)
Post a Comment

31 Comments

  1. javier 3

    7 years ago

    That’s awesome!!!!

    Reply
  2. stollcm

    7 years ago

    Bring the kid up and see what he can do!

    1
    Reply
    • teddy 3

      7 years ago

      Hell yes!

      Reply
  3. CompanyAssassin

    7 years ago

    I was floored when i heard this

    Reply
  4. Friendofthefeather

    7 years ago

    Kids got a filthy hook like a young waino or ankiel

    Reply
  5. Bocephus

    7 years ago

    Cardinals have an impressive young pitching arsenal.

    Reply
    • Friendofthefeather

      7 years ago

      People around here don’t believe that, but yes they really do and they lost alcantara in the ozuna deal.. then there is a guy like woodford whose stuff isn’t nasty but he can locate ball of his pitches beautifully. Lots of OF talent too. It’ll be interesting to see if a superstar becomes available what mo and girsh can do with the excess of talent with not a lot of place for guys who seem to be about ready.

      Reply
  6. Francys01

    7 years ago

    Good move Cardinals by adding Hicks to the opening day roster. He has been very good this spring training.

    Reply
    • dfinmozarks

      7 years ago

      But for under 8 IP total during this spring training!!

      If that’s not a solid indication of Cards desperation for more bullpen help – nothing is.

      I like Hicks and hope he makes it with the Cards, I just don’t think he’s ready yet. They need a proven closer like Holland.

      Reply
  7. schnurbusch

    7 years ago

    Hicks has the heater
    Another very live arm developed by the Cardinals

    Reply
  8. c1234

    7 years ago

    This is all coo with hick making OD, but brebia was one of are impact relievers last year

    Reply
  9. stymeedone

    7 years ago

    Whats the rush? Starts his clock, and they have no idea how his arm will respond to a reliever’s workload. I can see him back in the minors in a matter of weeks, or heading to the dl.

    Reply
    • cards81

      7 years ago

      I don’t think they are worried about starting the clock on a relief pitcher….they still got six years

      1
      Reply
    • JFree47

      7 years ago

      The phrase “start the clock” is used way too freely

      Reply
    • Friendofthefeather

      7 years ago

      Public knowledge that the Memphis shuttle will be in full swing this year with arms and bench guys.. and Hicks may develop into a starter but I really think he’s the closer for the next few years not a starter

      1
      Reply
      • RedFeather

        7 years ago

        I agree.. him or Tui – I hope that’s the case because that will mean our bullpen will be dominant

        Reply
  10. papa fraunch

    7 years ago

    I love seeing the prospects like Hicks play. Good move, and even if he struggles we have plenty of viable options for the bullpen.

    Reply
  11. Wainofan

    7 years ago

    Future is definitely bright for cards pitching, Weaver, Flaherty, Reyes, Hicks, Dakota Hudson, helsley, Gomber…..

    Reply
    • RedFeather

      7 years ago

      Do forget Mikolas lol

      Reply
      • Wainofan

        7 years ago

        I know this was a joke, but Mikolas has actually looked really good as of late and could end up being a great pickup. But I was only naming the young stars under 25

        Reply
        • Friendofthefeather

          7 years ago

          Gomber gets kind of lost in the shuffle as does oviedo who is further away than the top arms but nice to see that once these kids are in the bigs there is still more on the way

          Reply
    • dfinmozarks

      7 years ago

      Especially Reyes. – in another 4-6 weeks.

      I wish they could make Holland an offer both he and the team could live with. Something that comes close to Holland’s demands but with a performance clause to protect the team. He did falter last year after the break..

      We need a proven stopper like him to bring along the rookies. They, in turn could be used to protect Holland’s arm from overuse. Win/win for both Holland and the Cards. It would give us a shot at the post season we don’t really have at this point.

      Reply
      • brucewayne

        7 years ago

        The Cards have a very good shot at the post-season this year. Pitching

        Reply
        • brucewayne

          7 years ago

          and defense has improved greatly over the last 2 years

          Reply
        • brucewayne

          7 years ago

          and that’s what wins championships !

          Reply
  12. dust44

    7 years ago

    Cards always make great decisions when it comes to there homegrown pitching.

    Reply
    • dfinmozarks

      7 years ago

      They have a great stable of young talent but they have been burning up arms like crazy the past 4 years. That’s got to be a contributing reason why Nicasio bailed to a weak team like the Mariners rather than staying with a team with more post season potential like the Cards. I sure hope Maddox turns around the burnout rate.

      Hicks is exciting with his live arm but this points to the desperation of the Cards. He’s got no where near enough experience to last long with the Cards at this point. I expect Brebbia will be back to replace him within a month.

      Reply
  13. timtim007

    7 years ago

    I hope he kicks major booty in the bigs. Heck he is leap-frogging over Double AA and Triple AAA, never even thrown a pitch in those leagues, only A ball. Stay tuned, should be exciting to see what he can do.

    Reply
  14. cardfan2011

    7 years ago

    Congrats for Jordan! Hope he does well for the Cards

    Reply
  15. sportsguy24/7

    7 years ago

    Cards aren’t scared to take a chance on a young kid. Gotta love that. I hope he does well. Just gotta keep that young mind in check.

    Reply
  16. Cardinals17

    7 years ago

    So….the proof is in the pudding! Berbbia, Cecil, Gregerson, Norris, just to name 4 pitchers within the past 2 years Mozeliak waisted money on dumpster diving, have all been surpassed by pitchers already in the system who make far less money. Surely the Cardinal ownership is not that stupid. However it sure does appear that way!!! As President of baseball operations, John Mozeliak has waisted more money on low hanging fruit, who prove to be inferior signings, than any other top brass in the major leagues. It’s about time to clear out Mozeliak for new blood with better baseball sense!!!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Recent

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Chicago Cubs

    Latest On Rockies’ Expected Deadline Approach

    Kolby Allard Elects Free Agency

    Rangers Re-Sign Billy McKinney To Minor League Deal

    White Sox Outright Vinny Capra

    White Sox Sign Kyle Tyler To Minor League Deal

    Nationals Sign Luis Garcia

    Poll: The Yankees’ Biggest Need At The Deadline

    Yankees Place Mark Leiter Jr. On IL With Fibular Head Stress Fracture

    Rhys Hoskins Expects To Be Out Roughly Six Weeks

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version