The Los Angeles Angels recently added veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks on a one-year deal, and he's expecting to get a ton of playing time with the Halos this season.
Hicks is still being paid by the New York Yankees, so the Angels got him for the prorated league minimum. It's a low-risk signing for the Angels, but one that could pan out well if he produces.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian gave some insight into why the team decided to sign Hicks this offseason.
“He’s a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield spots, and he played really well for Baltimore after the move from New York,” Minasian said. “We saw a rejuvenated guy who can still play and be productive. With the injuries we’ve had in the outfield, we wanted to make sure we have quality depth there.”
Hicks gives the Halos extra depth in the outfield, and he was great for the Baltimore Orioles after joining them mid-season last year. He appeared in 65 games for the Orioles, posting a .275 average with seven home runs and 31 runs batted in.
Minasian said that Hicks was brought in partly so manager Ron Washington can play the matchups on the mound.
“It was important and something we really looked at,” Minasian said regarding Hicks' ability to hit left-handed pitching. “There’s certain times where [manager Ron] Washington will play matchups. As far as somebody who really fit what we were looking for, he stood out."
Having someone who can specifically target left-handed pitching is key. Hicks gives them options to build out the lineups in multiple different ways.
“He’s someone who can help us in a lot of different ways, whether that’s playing or coming off the bench,” Minasian said. “It gives Wash options. It’s a good veteran presence … and a quality at-bat. He knows the strike zone. He doesn’t give away at-bats, in general. It’s a grinding type of at-bat we felt could enhance our group.”
He provided the young Orioles with a veteran presence in the locker room, and he can do the same with the Angels. The Halos are banking on the veteran contributing in a similar way, and if he does, this signing will be a steal.
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