| Player: James Hicks | |||||||||||
| Org: Houston Astros | Highest Level: Double A | Position(s): RHP | |||||||||
| Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 190 lbs. | Bats: Right | Throws: Right | ||||||||
| Summary: Deception and command drive Hicks’s success more than pure velocity. Working from a low three-quarter slot, he creates uncomfortable angles with a 92–93 mph sinker that features heavy arm-side run and late dive, generating consistent groundball contact. His changeup is the separator—late tumble, excellent arm speed, and real swing-and-miss qualities—giving him a weapon against both lefties and righties. A mid-80s slider and occasional curveball round out a deep mix that he sequences intelligently, keeping hitters guessing despite modest raw stuff. The polish and pitchability stand out, as Hicks fills the zone and works efficiently through lineups. He’s the kind of arm who maximizes every pitch through command and sequencing, capable of moving quickly as a dependable innings-eater. With continued refinement of his breaking ball shapes, he profiles as a steady back-end starter or versatile long-relief option who can bridge innings and neutralize both sides of the plate. | |||||||||||
Shaun Kernahan is the founder and lead writer of Three Quarter Slot, where he blends scouting precision with a storyteller’s eye for the human side of the game. Based in Parker, Colorado, he has covered baseball prospects at every level since 2013, delivering in-depth evaluations, draft analysis, and developmental insight. Over the years, he has built Three Quarter Slot into a trusted home for thoughtful prospect coverage, detailed scouting reports, and a grounded look at how talent evolves
Discover more from THREE QUARTER SLOT
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.