The Los Angeles Angels have finally entered the offseason market and started to make some moves. After losing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, the Angels have been relatively silent. They have now acquired veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks on a one-year deal.
The former New York Yankees star has been signed on a league minimum deal of $740,000. His addition to the team gives the Angels another outfielder in a mix which currently includes Mike Trout, Jo Adell , Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak .
Hicks, a switch-hitter has played majority of his career in center field. While his move is not likely to change up the position of Trout, it could have significant effect on the progress of Adell.
His acquisition could help the Angels free up one of their new outfielder and trade them for a hitter or a starting pitcher. What further move will the Angels take remains to be seen. GM Perry Minasian has expressed confidence in the move of Hicks.
You need players that can play multiple positions. You don't know what's gonna happen. He's somebody that's played center; he played center last year for Baltimore in certain instances, obviously a very good team that made the playoffs. He can play right, he can play left, he can really throw, so he's somebody that can help us in a lot of different ways. Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian on Aaron Hicks as per MLB.com.
Aaron Hicks to remain under NY Yankees payroll until 2025 season
While Aaron Hicks may have left the New York Yankees, he is still getting paid by them. After impressive performances, the Yankees and Hicks agreed on a seven-year, $70 million extension. The 34-year-old veteran is still under that contract.
As a result of this contract, Hicks will earn around $9.5 million from the Yankees throughout the 2024 and 2025 season. He also has a $1 million buyout for club option in 2026. This means the Yankees are still on hook for $19 million despite cutting ties with him in May 2023.
Hicks had a difficult start to the 2023 season and struggled to perform with consistency, leading to constant boos from the Yankees fans. He would bat with a poor average of .188 leading to him being designated for assignment.
The Baltimore Orioles would later pick him up. This switch to Orioles proved to be a rather successful one for Hicks as he batted with .275 average, leading the O’s to a postseason berth.
The Angels are now entering the post Ohtani era. They would be hoping Hicks can chip in some valuable contributions as the aim for a positive season in 2024.
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