The Craig Breslow interview
While there haven't been any indications the Red Sox have been at the front of the line for the services of free agent starters Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, there was a recently-signed starting pitcher they were showing significant interest in.
Per a major league source, before Jordan Hicks signed his four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants, the Red Sox were making their pitch to the 27-year-old. And, perhaps most notably, the Sox' intentions for Hicks was the same as that of San Francisco, to give him a shot at becoming a starting pitcher.
Hicks' deal with the Giants does include bonuses based on staying in the role as a starter: $83,333 each for 100, 110, 120, 130 innings pitched; $166,667 each for 140, 150, 160, 170 IP; $333,333 each for 180, 190 IP; $333,334 for 200 IP.
The hard-throwing Hicks has only made eight starts in a career that has seen 212 appearances. He was perceived as one of the most coveted relievers on the free agent market, coming off a 2023 season in which he managed a 3.29 ERA in 65 appearances with both the Cardinals and the Blue Jays.
After being dealt to Toronto, Hicks excelled, totaling a 2.63 ERA in 25 games.
The eight games in which the righty did start came in 2022 with St. Louis, mostly coming in the form of the role of opener. The only time Hicks has gone as many as five innings came, ironically, against the Giants, giving up three runs over five frames on May 13, 2022.
The pursuit is a reminder that the Red Sox are still looking to supplement a starting rotation that currently boasts Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Nick Pivetta and some combination of Garrett Whitlock, Josh Winckowski and Tanner Houck.