In what is shaping up to be a regrettable move, the St. Louis Cardinals are now witnessing the success of former top prospect Jordan Hicks with the San Francisco Giants. The decision to part ways with Hicks last year is starting to look like a major misstep for the Cardinals.

Hicks, known for his raw talent and impressive velocity, was once considered a Top 10 prospect in the Cardinals' farm system. The organization had hoped to develop him in the bullpen and potentially transition him into a starter down the line. However, the opportunity never fully materialized in St. Louis, leading to his departure as part of a deadline fire sale.

One of the factors behind the Cardinals' decision was Hicks' upcoming free agency in the 2023-24 offseason. Ultimately, he found a new home with the San Francisco Giants, who saw potential in him as a starting pitcher. As it turns out, their faith in Hicks is paying off, while the Cardinals are left with a sense of regret.

Hicks made an impressive debut as a starter for the Giants, pitching 5.0 innings and allowing just three hits, one walk, and no runs, while striking out six. While skeptics may have argued that it was merely a small sample size, Hicks proved his worth yet again in his second start against the Padres. He showcased his abilities by pitching a career-high seven innings, surrendering only one earned run on five hits and no walks.

At just 27 years old, Hicks is looking like a solid starting pitcher, one who could have brought value to the Cardinals' rotation. Instead, the team had to revamp their pitching staff with older veterans like Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. The success Hicks is enjoying elsewhere serves as a stark reminder of what the Cardinals could have had.

Although criticism may not sit well with the Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the tangible evidence pointing towards a mismanagement of the situation. The results on the field speak volumes, raising questions about how the Cardinals handled their business decisions.

As the 2024 MLB season unfolds, all eyes will be on Jordan Hicks as he continues to impress on the mound for the San Francisco Giants. Meanwhile, the Cardinals may find themselves lamenting the missed opportunity to retain a promising talent within their organization.