John Hicks

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #13 prospect in 2015
  When area scout Mike Moriarty sat on Virginia's club, he made his time count. The Mariners drafted Cavaliers lefthander Danny Hultzen, third baseman Steven Proscia and Hicks in 2011 and followed with shortstop Chris Taylor in 2012. Hicks proved to be one of the best defenders in the organization. He lacks a standout tool, but he has an average arm and is considered an average to tick above-average receiver. Pitchers love throwing to Hicks because he calls a good game and smothers everything in the dirt. At the plate, he has made strides, but he has well below-average power to go with a tick-below average hit tool. He's gotten better at incorporating his lower half into his swing, but he still chases too many pitches and doesn't really do damage when he does connect. Hicks is an average runner, good enough that the Mariners have toyed with the idea of having him play the corner outfield. Added to the 40-man roster in November, Hicks will begin at Tacoma in 2015. He has all the tools to be a big league backup catcher.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #23 prospect in 2014
  Hicks was Danny Hultzen's catcher at Virginia and one of three Cavaliers the Mariners drafted in 2011, along with first baseman Steve Proscia. Noted primarily for his defense, Hicks wasn't even a full-time catcher until pro ball. The Mariners see him as a strong catch-and-throw receiver, and he led the Double-A Southern League in percentage of basestealers caught (47 percent) but also in passed balls (19). He needs reps to improve his blocking skills. Hicks draws high marks for his ability to work with pitchers, his work ethic and his personality. While his intangibles are off the chart, one tangible aspect of the game he must work on is his hitting. He has bat speed and has shown the ability to make adjustments, but he lacks power and expands his strike zone too often. Hicks profiles comfortably as a backup catcher with more polished receiving and blocking. He could report back to Jackson for 2014.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #21 prospect in 2013
  Twelve players have been drafted out of Virginia the past two years, with the Mariners responsible for one-third of them: Danny Hultzen, Hicks and Steven Proscia in 2011, and Chris Taylor in 2012. Hicks, who comes from the same Goochland (Va.) High program that produced Justin Verlander, signed as a fourth-rounder for $240,000. Hicks shows good hand-eye coordination and bat control. He mostly produces doubles power with his line-drive stroke, but does have the strength to hit balls out of the park on occasion. He has a chance to be an average hitter with fringy power, enough offense for him to be a solid option behind the plate. Hicks started catching full-time in 2011. While his exchange and arm strength grade out as average, he led all minor league catchers last year by throwing out 54 percent of basestealers. He handles a pitching staff well and calls a good game, but he needs to improve his receiving and blocking. Hicks is an average runner with enough athleticism to try other positions. He's a natural leader and a smart player who shows the ability to learn and adjust quickly. He profiles as a solid backup catcher and should spend most of 2013 in Double-A.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #22 prospect in 2012
  When the Mariners selected Dustin Ackely second overall in 2009, they then took two of his North Carolina teammates with early picks: third baseman Kyle Seager in the third round and lefthander Brian Moran in the seventh round. They did something similar last June, choosing Danny Hultzen at No. 2 and two of his Virginia teammates, Hicks in the fourth round and third baseman Steven Proscia in the seventh. A product of the same Goochland (Va.) High program that spawned Justin Verlander, Hicks signed for $240,000. He didn't become a full-time catcher until 2011, when he helped the Cavaliers to the College World Series semifinals by tying Proscia for the team lead with eight homers and 59 RBIs. Hicks doesn't have one carrying tool, but he has all-around potential to go with tremendous makeup and leadership qualities. He has gap power and a contact-oriented approach at the plate, though he would benefit from working deeper counts and drawing more walks. He's more athletic than most catchers, albeit still with below-average speed. Hicks has average arm strength and threw out 44 percent of basestealers in his pro debut. He has the potential to be an average receiver once he gets some more experience. Hicks has to stay behind the plate to have value because his bat isn't potent enough for another position. He'll open his first full pro season in high Class A.