SF Giants pitching matchup pits Jordan Hicks against rumored offseason target

The SF Giants start a three-game series against the New York Yankees in San Francisco tonight. Tonight's pitching matchup pits Jordan Hicks against Marcus Stroman, who was a rumored free agent target in the offseason.

SF Giants pitching matchup pits Jordan Hicks against rumored offseason target

The Giants made a number of moves in free agency this offseason. Some have worked out better than others, and it looks like the signing of Jordan Hicks may have been the best of them all based on early results. Thus far, Hicks has a record of 4-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. If he can replicate that success the rest of the year, his four-year $44 million deal will look like a bargain for the Giants.

Stroman, who was thought of as a prime free agent target for the Giants, is having a great year as well. He boasts a record of 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 62 innings. The veteran had spoken well of the Giants in the past, so it seemed like a potential good fit before he signed with the Yankees for a two-year deal worth $37 million.

The Giants reportedly made him an offer, although it is unclear how theirs may have stacked up with the Yankees offer. As it currently stands though, it seems like the Giants may have gotten the better deal with Hicks. They got him for an average of $11 million per year while the Yankees are paying Stroman an average of $18.5 million per year.

Plus, Stroman is 33 years old while Hicks is 27. The Giants were able to sign a guy who should be more durable and less prone to injury over the course of his contract even if he is making the transition from reliever to starter.

It is early, but the returns on Hicks and Stroman have been positive for both teams. The Giants have gotten the better bargain so far, but it will be interesting to see how the game will go tonight as the two pitchers face off looking for their fifth win of the season.