Cardinals Rumors: Surprise extension, Dylan Carlson-Yankees link, Rays trade idea

Cardinals Rumors: A Jordan Hicks extension?

Despite an injury history that includes Tommy John surgery, postseason meltdowns and an inability to find the strike zone at times, Jordan Hicks still has some of the best pure stuff in MLB, and a 103 MPH fastball to boot. If he can ever harness all of that potential, he’ll be one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball.

That is what the Cardinals are counting on. Per Katie Woo of The Athletic, the two sides are progressing on contract extension talks leading up to the trade deadline.

"“Hicks, who will turn 27 in September and has previously expressed a desire to remain in St. Louis, was set to be one of the most coveted relief arms this deadline due to his triple-digit velocity and wipeout slider. Since taking over closing duties for St. Louis, Hicks has registered a 2.03 ERA and converted eight of nine save opportunities,” Woo wrote."

As Woo notes, Hicks has been phenomenal since taking over as Cardinals closer halfway through the season. It was a bold move by manager Oli Marmol, but a smart one. The St. Louis front office needed to see what they had in Hicks before making a long-term decision on him. As John Mozeliak and Co. prepare for 2024 and beyond, it seems certain now that Hicks will play a role on their quest to compete.

St. Louis hopes to acquire controllable starting pitching at the trade deadline. They have the assets to do so, namely in current pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, as well as outfielder Dylan Carlson and shortstop Paul DeJong, among others.