He won state titles in both sports as a senior and was named the Federal League Co-Player of the Year in baseball after going 8–0 with a save and a 0.50 ERA on the mound while also batting .349 with 24 RBIs.

[7] Nicolas was promoted to the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos after posting 3–2 record with a 5.28 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 59+2⁄3 innings with Beloit.

[8] On November 29, 2021, Nicolas was traded along with Zach Thompson and Connor Scott to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Jacob Stallings.

[9] He spent the 2022 season with the Double–A Altoona Curve, making 24 appearances (22 starts) and posting a 3.97 ERA with 101 strikeouts across 90+2⁄3 innings pitched.

[10] In 2023, Nicolas made 35 appearances (18 starts) split between Double–A Altoona and the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, registering a cumulative 4–7 record and 5.20 ERA with 127 strikeouts and 2 saves in 98+2⁄3 innings pitched.