Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks explains why he’s opting out of the season

Another big-name MLB player has opted out of the 60-game season.

MLB has seen12 players opt out of the 2020 season for a variety of reasons. The list grew to 13 on Monday afternoon.

The St. Louis Cardinals announced via their official Twitter account that closer Jordan Hicks has chosen to sit out this 60-game campaign due to preexisting health concerns. Hicks has Type 1 diabetes and was expected to start the season on the sidelines after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season.

Shortly after the team announcement, Hicks released a statement through his personal Twitter account.

Returning in 2021 is the best option for Jordan Hicks.

Given the recent surge of the coronavirus in the United States, playing baseball in this current climate is dangerous for anyone with preexisting health conditions. Given the long term effects that COVID-19 can create, the risk just isn’t worth the reward of playing for the World Series.

Ever since he got called up by the Cardinals in 2018, Hicks has been the team’s most reliable arm out of the bullpen. Not to mention, he’s considered the hardest thrower in all of MLB, thanks to his propensity to hit 100 mph on the radar gun.

In 2018, Hicks recorded a 3.59 ERA and earned six saves in 13 chances. But, Hicks really broke out early on last season, as he successfully converted 14 of his 15 save opportunities while posting a 3.14 ERA. Yet, his 2019 campaign ended after he tore the UCL in his right elbow last June.

No one should take issue for Hicks opting out of the upcoming season. This is a player who’s looking out for his long term health and to ensure he has a lengthy pitching career. It’s the right decision, and we can’t wait to see him take the mound in 2021.