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5 offseason predictions for the Mets
By Tim Boyle
4) The Mets will sign Jordan Hicks
It’s a youth movement in Queens. Jordan Hicks is a young free agent who just turned 27 in September. Coming off of a productive season and more so a nice finish with the Toronto Blue Jays following a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, he seems to be exactly what the Mets bullpen could use.
Control has been Hicks’ downfall for much of his career. The hard-throwing righty can strike batters out but the velocity has him at an average of 4.9 walks per 9 in his career. He reached a new level of excellence this past year, lowering his walk rate from the career totals and posting a personal best 11.1 strikeouts per 9.
Hicks has some of the tools to be a closer. While he has saved games at times, his inconsistencies have held him back from taking the next step. He’d be worth a multi-year deal because of his age. The Mets have had relievers going in and out of the roster quickly. It’s about time someone with talent stuck around. Hicks looks capable.
He becomes even more important to the team if Adam Ottavino opts out. It would leave the Mets with only Brooks Raley and Edwin Diaz as bullpen arms we can trust. Hicks is far too tempting of a free agent target to pass on. Will David Stearns and the new Mets general manager agree?