Trade Rumors: Jordan Hicks makes a lot of sense for the Braves bullpen

What Would He Cost?

The cost for Hicks could likely be less than what he is really worth under the circumstances. With the deadline approaching and him not reaching an extension with his current squad, the Cardinals will be looking to get what they can for him before he walks in free agency.

Now, of course, every franchise will try to maximize their return in any trade but asking for multiple top prospects for Jordan Hicks would be unrealistic.

Here is a proposed trade explained:

Braves Get: Jordan Hicks

Cardinals Get: Kolby Allard, Allan Winans, and cash considerations

Kolby Allard has had two starts since coming back to Atlanta from the Rangers. One of those starts was very impressive where he struck out 8 batters over 4.2 innings against the Twins.

With Max Fried and Kyle Wright on the cusp of return along with AJ Smith-Shawver showing flashes of great potential, the starting rotation may be out of vacancy for Allard in the foreseeable future.

Allan Winans has only had one MLB start for the Braves. It was against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Winans proved over 4.2 innings that he indeed does have the stuff to be effective and get outs at the major league level.

It very well could have been that a team was interested in trading for Winans after seeing his dominant triple-a stats this season but was concerned if he was good enough to contribute in the MLB.

The Braves could have given him that start on national television just to showcase his abilities and draw interest as the deadline gets closer. Maybe the Cardinals would be impressed enough to give Winans a chance to pitch in the majors for the remainder of the 2023 season.

At first glance, it may appear the Braves would be giving up a lot in this hypothetical scenario. However, this may be what it takes for the Cardinals to feel they are getting compensated fairly for Hicks and Atlanta may not be losing as much as you’d think.

If he were to join the Braves and prove himself as a trusted bullpen arm, Anthopoulos could easily be inclined to re-sign the 26-year-old to a multi-year contract.

Beyond helping the Braves make a push for another World Series championship, Jordan Hicks could also end up being a part of Atlanta's future success.