D-backs Sign Catcher John Hicks, Assigned to Reno
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed C John Hicks to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Reno. Hicks also received an invite to Major League Spring Training. Here is what you need to know about the new addition:
C 6'2"/230 R/R John Hicks Age: 30
John Hicks was drafted out of high school by the Los Angeles Angels in the 31st round of the 2008 draft but opted to go to college, where he attended the University of Virginia. He was college teammates with LHP Kyle Crockett, who was assigned to Triple-A Reno in December. In 2011, Hicks was then selected in the fourth round by the Seattle Mariners.
After four seasons in the minors, Hicks made his Major League debut in 2015 with the Mariners. He played in just 17 games that season with limited at-bats. He was later claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins after the season. In April of 2016, he was selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers, where he has spent the last four seasons.
Despite only two Major League plate appearances in 2016, his playing time has continued to grow with each year. It was in 2017 where his first real playing time came. He hit .266 with six home runs and 22 RBIs in 190 plate appearances with Detroit.
In 2019, he played in 95 games with the Tigers. He hit .210 with 13 home runs, 15 doubles and 35 RBIs in 333 plate appearances. He was granted free agency following the 2019 season.
Defensively, Hicks can keep the running game in check. He's thrown out 28 runners in 89 chances over his Big League career, good for a 31% caught stealing mark.