Jordan Hicks: Career Overview, Statistics and Pitching Evolution

Jordan Hicks, currently a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, has built a reputation as one of Major League Baseball’s hardest throwers. Born on September 6, 1996, in Houston, Texas, Hicks stands 6’2″ (188 cm) and weighs 217 lbs (98 kg). Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Cypress Creek High School, Hicks has since played for the Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and now the Red Sox.

Hicks began his MLB career as a reliever, quickly making headlines with his elite velocity. Notably, he has thrown multiple pitches at or above 103 mph, ranking among the fastest in the league since the pitch-tracking era began in 2008. His average sinker velocity has consistently placed him among the top four in MLB, trailing only renowned flamethrowers like Aroldis Chapman and Brusdar Graterol. In fact, Hicks has repeatedly led or finished near the top in the number of pitches thrown over 100 mph, including a season where over 45% of his pitches eclipsed that mark.

Transitioning to a starting role with the Giants, Hicks posted a 4-7 record with a 4.01 ERA over 20 starts, striking out 90 batters in 98.2 innings. He excelled early in the season, maintaining a 2.33 ERA over his first 11 starts—seventh-best in the National League during that span. He also demonstrated excellent groundball ability, with a 53% groundball rate and a .603 opposing OPS. However, after throwing a career-high number of innings, Hicks showed signs of fatigue and moved back to the bullpen, finishing the season with nine relief appearances and a 4.91 ERA in that role.

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Hicks’ career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019, missed significant time due to right shoulder inflammation in 2024, and opted out of the 2020 season because of his Type 1 diabetes in light of COVID-19 protocols. Despite these setbacks, Hicks has delivered strong performances, including 12 saves in a season split between the Cardinals and Blue Jays and a career-best 11.1 K/9 as a reliever.

Statistically, Hicks has accumulated 47 strikeouts this season and 398 over his MLB career. His career ERA reflects both his dominant stretches and periods affected by injury or fatigue, with a season high of 6.17. He is currently in the midst of a four-year, $44 million contract, earning $12.5 million in 2025.

Hicks’ ability to generate ground balls, limit home runs (career 0.6 HR/9 IP), and deliver high-leverage outs with his slider and sinker make him a valuable asset in any pitching staff. As he continues his career with the Red Sox, his health and adaptation to different pitching roles will be key factors in his ongoing impact at the Major League level.