Report: Cards talking extension with Hicks, will trade him if there's no deal

The St. Louis Cardinals are exploring a multi-year extension with closer Jordan Hicks, sources told Katie Woo of The Athletic.

A new deal reportedly could be reached in the next few days.

However, Hicks will be moved by the Aug. 1 trade deadline if a contract agreement can't be finalized, according to Woo.

Hicks, who can test free agency after the 2023 campaign, sits in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity thanks to a four-seamer that consistently hits triple digits.

The 26-year-old owns a 3.67 ERA with 59 strikeouts and eight saves over 40 appearances this season. However, the right-hander is also allowing 5.2 walks per nine innings.