4 Cardinals post-deadline extension candidates not named Jack Flaherty

Jordan Hicks could be a post-deadline extension candidate

Remember when there were calls for Hicks to be designated for assignment after a terrible start to his season? After significant work behind the scenes, Hicks has become a go-to arm in high-leverage, closing situations.

In 40 games this season, he’s pitched 41.2 innings and compiled a 1-6 record with eight saves. He has a 3.67 ERA with 59 strikeouts.

Hicks is a free agent at the end of this season and was believed to be one of the options the Cardinals could flip for prospects and pitching help. The talks of extending the pitcher could be seen as an award for keeping his head down and working out the issues he was facing at the beginning of the season. It also makes one wonder if the Cardinals were not receiving much interest in the young flamethrower.

If Hicks is extended and he stays on his track of becoming a strong closer, this could be a good move in the long run for the Cardinals, who seem focused on the future.