Yankees Miss Out On Ex-Blue Jays Star; Could Another Big Move Coming?

New York missed out on one of the top free-agent relievers in free agency

The New York Yankees attempted to make a big move but missed out.

New York has shown this offseason that it isn't afraid to make a big move by landing Juan Soto, Trent Grisham, Alex Verdugo, and Marcus Stroman. The Yankees were rumored to be in the market for another one to help the bullpen.

The Yankees had been linked to multiple hurlers and one player who continuously was brought up is former St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays fireballer Jordan Hicks.

Hicks was one of the most talked about free agent relievers with many teams showing interest -- including the Yankees -- but New York missed out as he reportedly signed with the San Francisco Giants, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

"Breaking: Right-hander Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN," Passan said. "Hicks, 27, is expected to work as a starter after spending the majority of his career in the bullpen."

Hicks had a career year in 2023 with the Cardinals and Blue Jays and logged a 3.29 ERA and 81-to-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 65 2/3 innings pitched. The righty was most impressive down the stretch after being traded to Toronto and had a 2.63 ERA in 25 appearances after the trade deadline.

The young righty boasts a fastball that reaches 105 miles per hour and could've been the next star Yankees reliever if New York landed him. Hopefully he is able to impress in San Francisco.

Luckily for the Yankees, there still are some other solid options available that could help the club. A few of the biggest names remaining are superstar fireballer Josh Hader as well as Aroldis Chapman, Wandy Peralta, David Robertson, and Hector Neris. 

New York may have missed out on one of its top targets but it wouldn't be surprising to see another signing soon.