Michael Darrell-Hicks Bio
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks, born on November 13, 1997, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Standing out as a right-handed reliever, he previously played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels, where he made his major league debut in 2025. Known for his journey as an undrafted free agent, Darrell-Hicks has built his career through the minor leagues, demonstrating persistence and talent. His professional path reflects the determination often required to reach the highest level of the sport without the advantage of a draft selection.
Early Life and Background
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks was born on November 13, 1997, and grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He attended South Warren High School, where he graduated in 2016. During his time in high school, Darrell-Hicks began developing his skills as a pitcher, laying the foundation for his future in baseball. His early experiences on the mound in Kentucky helped shape his approach to the game and prepared him for the competitive environment of college baseball.
After high school, Darrell-Hicks enrolled at Western Kentucky University, where he played college baseball for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers for three seasons. His time with the Hilltoppers allowed him to refine his pitching mechanics and gain valuable experience against strong competition. Seeking further development, he later transferred to Jacksonville University, where he played one season for the Jacksonville Dolphins. These collegiate years were instrumental in building his resume as a pitcher and ultimately catching the attention of professional scouts.
Path to Baseball
Despite his strong college career, Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks went unselected in the MLB Draft, making his path to the majors unconventional. On July 26, 2022, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career. This opportunity provided him with a platform to showcase his abilities in the minor leagues and work toward earning a spot in the major leagues.
Darrell-Hicks spent a significant portion of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Angels’ Double-A affiliate. During this period, he posted a 6-7 record, pitching 53 and 2/3 innings across 33 games, including three starts. He struck out 58 batters while walking only 13, demonstrating his command on the mound. His performance in the minor leagues highlighted his potential and set the stage for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
Michael Darrell-Hicks Career
Early Career (2022-2024)
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks began his professional baseball career in 2022 after signing with the Los Angeles Angels as an undrafted free agent. He spent the early years of his career developing in the Angels’ minor league system, primarily with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he worked to establish himself as a reliable relief pitcher, focusing on improving his command and consistency on the mound.
During his time with the Trash Pandas, Darrell-Hicks showed flashes of promise, particularly in his ability to generate strikeouts while limiting walks. His 6-7 record reflected the challenges of transitioning to professional baseball, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio demonstrated his potential. These developmental years were crucial in preparing him for the opportunity to pitch at the highest level.
Los Angeles Angels (2025)
Darrell-Hicks began the 2025 season on the roster of the Salt Lake Bees, the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate. His strong performance in the minors earned him a promotion to the major leagues on April 6, 2025. He made his MLB debut on April 11 against the Houston Astros, a memorable milestone in his career. In six appearances for the Angels, he recorded six strikeouts and one win across 7 and 2/3 innings pitched, though he struggled with a 9.39 ERA.
On June 8, 2025, Darrell-Hicks was designated for assignment following the Angels’ acquisition of LaMonte Wade Jr. This transaction marked the end of his brief stint with Los Angeles, but his major league debut had already established him as a pitcher capable of competing at the highest level. His time with the Angels, though short, provided valuable experience and exposure to MLB competition.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2025-Present)
On June 13, 2025, Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving him a fresh start with a new organization. He made one scoreless appearance for Pittsburgh, recording two strikeouts over two innings pitched. This brief but effective showing demonstrated his ability to contribute in relief roles.
On November 6, 2025, Darrell-Hicks was designated for assignment by the Pirates. However, on November 10, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. This move kept him within the Pirates organization, allowing him to continue his development and work toward another opportunity in the major leagues.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks’ career was his MLB debut on April 11, 2025, against the Houston Astros. This achievement came after years of dedication through the minor leagues and as an undrafted free agent. His first major league win and strikeouts further cemented his arrival on baseball’s biggest stage. These accomplishments highlight his perseverance and commitment to the sport.
Michael Darrell-Hicks Career Wins
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks has recorded wins at both the minor league and major league levels. During his time with the Rocket City Trash Pandas, he contributed to his team’s success over multiple seasons, building a foundation of competitive performances. His first major league win came during his brief stint with the Los Angeles Angels in 2025, marking a significant achievement in his professional career.
Minor League Highlights
Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Darrell-Hicks has been a consistent contributor, particularly with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. His 6-7 record over the 2023 and 2024 seasons reflects his ability to compete at a high level, even as he worked to refine his skills. His strikeout totals and low walk numbers during this period demonstrated his potential as a reliable pitcher.
Major League Highlights
In the major leagues, Darrell-Hicks secured his first win with the Los Angeles Angels in 2025, a memorable moment in his career. Despite a challenging ERA, his ability to record strikeouts and contribute in relief roles showed his capability at the highest level. His subsequent scoreless appearance with the Pittsburgh Pirates further underscored his potential as a valuable arm in a bullpen.
Michael Darrell-Hicks Family
Personal Life
Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks, originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky, has remained focused on his baseball career. Details about his family life, including parents, spouse, and children, are not widely publicized. His journey from high school in Kentucky to the major leagues reflects the support and dedication of those around him, though specific family information is not available in public records.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a transformative year for Michael Brian Darrell-Hicks, beginning with his placement on the Salt Lake Bees roster before his promotion to the major leagues. His MLB debut on April 11 against the Houston Astros marked the culmination of years of hard work in the minor leagues. Despite a challenging ERA in six appearances with the Angels, his first major league win and six strikeouts were notable achievements.
After being designated for assignment by the Angels, Darrell-Hicks was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he made a scoreless appearance with two strikeouts. Although he was later designated for assignment by Pittsburgh, he cleared waivers and was sent to the Indianapolis Indians. This outcome kept him within the Pirates organization, providing an opportunity to continue developing and pursue future major league opportunities.