Michael Darrell-Hicks
Position: RHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 220 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 11/13/1997
College: Jacksonville University
Signed: Non-drafted free agent (Angels)
How Acquired: Waiver Claim (from Angels)
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: Yes
Rule 5 Eligible: N/A
Minor League Free Agency: N/A
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Angels signed Darrell-Hicks as an undrafted free agent. He pitched for four years for Western Kentucky, missing one season in the middle of that time, and then pitched another year for Jacksonville. He was 24 by the time the Angels signed him. He made his way quickly to AA as a starter, then moved to relief in 2024. He doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but his control is very good. He throws a sinker that averages around 94 mph, and also has a slider and cutter. The Pirates claimed him off waivers from the Angels.
2022-23
Darrell-Hicks pitched briefly in low A after signing in 2022 and had a rough time. He went back there in 2023, making half his appearances as a starter. He pitched reasonably well over a dozen games, then got promoted to high A. In 13 games there, nine of them starts, he had a 3.15 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He finished his season with three starts in AA. He had good walk and K rates throughout.
2024-25
The Angels moved Darrell-Hicks to the bullpen in 2024. In 30 games in AA, he had a 1.73 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9. He finished the season with ten appearances in AAA. He had a 4.35 ERA, but that was in the offense-happy Pacific Coast League. His other numbers remained good.
Darrell-Hicks opened 2025 back in AAA, but after a few games the Angels called him up. He moved back and forth a couple times, appearing 17 times in AAA and six in the majors. He got hit hard at both locations, with a 9.39 ERA in the majors and 8.87 in AAA. He allowed more than a home run every four innings in AAA. In June the Angels put him on waivers and the Pirates claimed him.
Stats
Transactions
July 26, 2022: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Angels.
April 6, 2025: Contract purchased by the Los Angeles Angels.
June 13, 2025: Claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels by the Pittsburgh Pirates.