The Detroit Tigers claimed catcher John Hicks off waivers from the Minnestoa Twins, the team announced. Hicks will be assigned to Double-A Erie.
The 26-year-old was drafted in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB Draft but went to college and was later picked in the 4th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. Hicks was designated for assignment by the Mariners to open a spot for Chris Iannetta on November 23, 2015. In early Demember, the catcher was claimed off waivers by the Twins from the Mariners. Now, Hicks will attempt to make his presence felt with the Tigers organization.
Hicks got his first taste of the major leagues with Seattle in 2015, but went 2-for-32 (.063/.091/.094) with a double, RBI, walk, stolen basen and a run scored. The 26-year-old played 14 games at catcher, two games as the designated hitter and one game as the third baseman. The Tigers will develop him as a catcher, but he might see action at the hot corner.
Across 412 games in six minor league seasons, Hicks has hit .279/.325/.408 with 33 home runs and 217 RBI. He hit .304 with four doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI and six walks in the 2014 Arizona Fall League with the Surprise Saguaros.
Hicks was sent to Triple-A Rochester of the Twins after not making the 40-man roster out of spring training this season. With the Red Wings, he tallied eight hits in 33 at-bats with a home run and an RBI. Hicks, who was already on waivers, was scooped up by the Tigers on Saturday.
The 26-year-old will join Austin Green and Drew Longley on the roster for Double-A Erie.