As the San Francisco Giants enter a pivotal offseason, they face major decisions regarding the future of the franchise. After three consecutive seasons missing the playoffs, the team has struggled to keep pace with the elite competition in their division. Recently, the Giants brought back former catcher Buster Posey as their new President of Baseball Operations, with hopes that he can revive the organization and attract top talent to the Bay Area.
Despite missing out on marquee free agents in the past, such as Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, one of the Giants’ key signings in recent years has raised serious concerns. Relief pitcher Jordan Hicks, who inked a four-year, $44 million deal in hopes of becoming a reliable starter, has struggled to meet expectations.
According to Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, Hicks’ performance has landed him on the list of potentially disastrous contracts by 2026. “Signing him as a starter looked like a stroke of genius initially, as he still had a sub-3.00 ERA as late as June 17. But then he coughed up an 8.18 ERA over his next five starts, followed by a forgettable move back to the bullpen,” Rymer noted.
While Hicks can reach impressive velocities, his sinker was hit at a concerning .341 average, and control issues plagued his performance, with 3.9 walks per nine innings. His 2024 season saw him demoted to the bullpen, where he posted a 3.71 ERA, a far cry from the dominant starter the Giants hoped for.
At $11 million per year, Hicks’ role as a middle-tier relief pitcher raises concerns about the contract’s long-term value. However, at just 29 years old by 2026, there remains hope that Hicks can return to the rotation and improve the outlook of the deal.
As Posey looks to reshape the roster, the Giants will need more than just minor improvements to turn their fortunes around, especially with contracts like Hicks’ looming over their future.
