Astros Linked to Blue Jays Reliever

The Houston Astros should be looking for relief help to supplement their current bullpen, which includes closer Ryan Pressly.

The only significant loss could be Hector Neris, who triggered an option in his contract to test free agency.

But, the rest of the bullpen that former manager Dusty Baker used to get the Astros to the AL Championship Series in 2023 remains, with set-up men Bryan Abreu, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek all under team control.

So, who could take that slot vacated by Neris? For that matter, could be a closer-in-waiting?

Sports Illustrated published its Top 50 free agents and predicted their destinations. The site believes the Astros will end up with a reliever within their Top 50 — Toronto hurler Jordan Hicks.

In SI’s analysis, it pointed out Hicks’ youth, stuff and overcoming a previous major injury to make himself a Top 50 free agent:

The Cardinals had long earmarked their closer role for Hicks, but a 2019 Tommy John surgery set him off course for several years. In posting a career-best 11.1 K/9 rate with 13 holds and 12 saves for St. Louis and Toronto this year, he looked ready to front a bullpen once again while reemerging as baseball’s hardest thrower. Hicks is an exceptionally young free agent as next year will mark his age-27 season. His enticing combination of triple-digit heat, elite ground-ball rates and batted-ball metrics will likely help him get the second-largest contract among relievers this offseason, though his inconsistency may scare off some contenders.

In five seasons Hicks is 11-21 with a 3.85 ERA. The Blue Jays acquired him from the Cardinals to supplement their bullpen down the stretch as they made the AL Wild Card playoffs. He’s never been leaned on as a full-time closer before, as he has just 32 career saves. But he strikes out nearly a hitter an inning.

But, the Astros could potentially groom him to replace Pressly, who is under contract in 2024 but has a mutual option with the Astros in 2025. That option would be a $14 million option with a $2 million buyout.

In the meantime, Hicks could join the arsenal of set-up men that should help the Astros contend in 2024.