Red Sox Set To Get First Real Look At Devers Trade Return

The Boston Red Sox are finally about to cash in on their trade of Rafael Devers at the Major League level.

Right-hander Jordan Hicks, one of the central pieces in the blockbuster deal, is expected to return from the injured list during this week’s series against the Cincinnati Reds.

He was a target of Boston’s even before the trade, nearly signing with the club during free agency before opting for a four-year, $44 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.
The Red Sox’s offseason pursuit made his eventual trade to Boston even more meaningful to the seven-year MLB vet.

“(This offseason) was between them and the Giants,” Hicks said, “so I’m excited to be here and feel wanted,” as transcribed by Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald.

Hicks began the season in San Francisco’s rotation, but it did not yield great results. He posted a 6.55 ERA across nine starts before being moved back to the bullpen in mid-May.

At the time of the trade, he was on the injured list with right toe inflammation. He returns healthy with a defined role in the Red Sox’s late-inning mix.

It will mark a return to familiar territory for Hicks, who made his name as a dominant reliever. In 2023, he struck out 81 batters across 65 ⅔ innings with the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays.

He has already begun refining his approach since his return to the bullpen, most notably replacing his sweeper with a hard slider to complement his upper-90s fastball.

With Justin Slaten expected to miss extended time, Hicks will be counted on to anchor the bridge to closer Aroldis Chapman.

The Red Sox have been waiting to reap the benefits of one of the boldest trades in franchise history. Now, that return is finally set to take shape.