Cardinals righty Jordan Hicks has hired the Ballengee Group as his representatives, according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag (via Twitter). MLBTR’s Agency Database now reflects that and other recent agency moves.
Hicks is just 21 years of age and had never pitched above the High-A level entering the season. But he’s now the owner of a 1.96 ERA through 23 MLB frames. With the game’s biggest fastball at his disposal, Hicks has captured quite a lot of attention in recent weeks.
Of course, there’s also some cause for skepticism. Hicks has generated a pedestrian 7.2% swinging-strike rate and dished out 16 walks against just 11 strikeouts. And Hicks may not be able to sustain a .191 BABIP-against, as Statcast numbers suggest the quality of contact produced by opposing hitters supports a .346 xwOBA that substantially lags the .254 wOBA that has resulted.
The statistical questions only increase the intrigue surrounding Hicks. Ultimately, we’ll have to wait to see whether he can sustain the excellent bottom-line results. If he’s able to do so, there could be a near future where Hicks racks up saves, arbitration earnings, and endorsement deals. No matter what, he’ll be a fascinating player to watch.
Don’t, don’t let it go to your head, Jordan.
Pitchers like you are a dime a dozen.
Feeling a little emo today, are we?
The record for the speed of a baseball ever thrown? Okay!
Pitchers who throw 105 are a dime a dozen? Do you even hear yourself?
The way things are today he will likely need TJ surgery before he ever sees arbitration
Chapman laughs at his lack of strikeouts
Maybe Chapman should look at his own control issues. His gun/anger control issues!
Lol
He has hired an agent to tell him he needs more money, that 105 mph is unreal, the problem is the velocity is not coming with strikeouts and his control is suspect. His metrics show that his numbers are better than they should be, eventually he is going to start missing some bats. In addition Matheny has already used him incorrectly and based on other Cards pitchers will soon need surgery. Buyer beware..
I bet agency’s came calling after he made news with the 105 mph pitches last week. I’m not going to read to much into it at this point. Almost every guy throwing heat like that has control issues, let’s give him the op and see what he can do with it.