Key Rafael Devers Trade Piece Takes Big Step In Injury Return For Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are preparing to face off against their old friend Rafael Devers, as they will kick off a road series against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. One player they got in return for Devers, Jordan Hicks, appears to be making progress in his injury rehab.
While the Giants did the Red Sox a favor by taking the remainder of Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract off their hands, Boston also got some players back in return. Hicks and fellow pitcher Kyle Harrison headlined the return, with prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello also landing with the Red Sox.
Of this group, Hicks is the one with the most MLB experience. After primarily being used as a reliever to start his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, the Giants signed Hicks in free agency ahead of the 2024 campaign and turned him into a starter.
While Hicks was decent last year (4.10 ERA in 29 appearances, 20 of which were starts), he has struggled in 2025, as he posted a 6.47 ERA in 11 outings (nine starts) before hitting the injured list with right toe inflammation.
Based on Craig Breslow’s comments, it sounds like Hicks will be shifting back to the bullpen for the Sox once he’s healthy. His return to action could be happening soon, as the Worcester Red Sox shared photos of Hicks throwing live batting practice on Thursday, which is a big step in his injury recovery process.
Hicks has enjoyed some success out of the bullpen during his previous stops, as he even became the Cardinals closer for stretches in 2019 and 2023. His best season was 2023, which he split with St. Louis and Toronto, as he posted a 3.29 ERA in 65 appearances, racking up 81 strikeouts and 12 saves.
With Aroldis Chapman manning the closer position this season, the Sox don’t need Hicks to fill that role once he returns. If he could find his form as a high-leverage setup man, though, Boston would have to consider that a victory.
Hicks won’t be with the Red Sox when they face off against his old team this weekend, but it looks like he’s moving in the right direction when it comes to his potential return. And if all goes according to plan, he could make his debut for Boston sooner rather than later.