The New York Yankees are paying Aaron Hicks over $27 million not to play for them. However, he could soon sign with a rival.
Can Aaron Hicks be the latest New York Yankees castoff to have success elsewhere? Hoping to follow the Joey Gallo redemption arc, Hicks, who was booed since introductions on Opening Day, could have a chance to help a former division rival win the AL East.
The Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in Hicks, per FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray.
As Murray mentions, Cedric Mullins is dealing with an injury of his own, and the O's see Hicks as a short-term replacement in that regard.
MLB Rumors: Former Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks could sign with Orioles
Giving Aaron Hicks a contract extension in the first place was, unfortunately, a poor move by Brian Cashman. Hicks has since been seen as a scapegoat for the team's early-season struggles, and eventually had to go. Team president Randy Levine said that the Hicks decision shows Hal Steinbrenner is willing to listen to his "baseball people" and take money out of the equation.
Yanks Go Yard's Thomas Carannante says it's not so simple:
"Another problem? Hal's "baseball people" finally advised in late May of 2023 that Hicks wasn't worth an active roster spot? Maybe we just discovered another part of the problem?…This roster is littered with minor-league talent. While fans can sympathize that the Yankees haven't been dealt the best hand to start 2023, there's also something to be said about the actions taken when problems begin to mount. The Yankees invest far too much time in projecting good production where it doesn't exist."
As for Baltimore, Hicks should fit right if they choose to sign him. Even with a struggling bat, Hicks is a good defensive outfielder who, at the very least, is a platoon threat.
