The Yankees have designated Aaron Hicks for assignment on Saturday after another lackluster season from the outfielder. Hicks signed a seven-year, $70M contract with the Yankees in 2019. However, he failed to live up to the expectations in his early career. The corresponding move to this DFA is the signing of outfielder Greg Allen to a major league contract. The Yankees acquired Allen from the Red Sox earlier in the week in exchange for right-handed pitcher Diego Hernandez and cash considerations.
The struggles of Aaron Hicks have been a trend for several years now. Between the 2021-2022 seasons, Hicks batted .211/.322/.317 with 12 home runs and a mere 86 WRC+. On top of these ugly numbers at the dish, Hicks also had his share of defensive blunders in the field. So much that he was often making himself a defensive liability. These struggles have followed Hicks into this season, where he is batting .188/.263/.261 with one home run, five RBIs, and a 48 WRC+.
Bittersweet Ending to Aaron Hicks’ Yankee Tenure
The Yankees’ leash for Hicks has been rather long in recent years. Even with the season from last year, Hicks was never optioned to AAA or served any extended periods on the bench to gather himself and his abilities. It wasn’t until this year and the continuous struggles at both the plate and in the outfield that the Yankees decided enough was enough.
The story of Aaron Hicks will be remembered as an unfortunate one for many Yankees’ fans. Hicks has had some clutch and memorable moments in pinstripes. The most notable moment being his first inning three-run home run against the Astros in Game 5 of the 2019 ALCS.
The potential is still there for Aaron Hicks. A change of scenery could benefit the switch-hitting outfielder and he could return to his form that was recognized in his 2018 season, where he finished 22nd in MVP voting. As for now, however, the Aaron Hicks era is over in the Bronx. The Yankees still have a long way to go this season. They are currently looking up from fourth place in the overpowered AL East. Will they make a run for a wild card spot this year now that Hicks is gone and Aaron Judge is back?
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