Aaron Hicks agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, the outfielder is still being paid by the New York Yankees through 2025. He will earn $740,000 from the Angels for any time spent on the roster, while the Yankees are responsible for $8.76 million in 2024 and $9.5 million in 2025. Hicks was released by the Yankees following a .188 batting average last season but turned it around with the Baltimore Orioles. In 65 games, he hit seven home runs and an .806 OPS while hitting .275 across 236 plate appearances.
Angels Sign Aaron Hicks
The 34-year-old had a strong start to his career with the Yankees. From 2017 to 2020, Hicks hit 60 home runs in 338 games, slashing a .247/.362/.457 batting line. He stole 26 bases and a 123 wRC+ while serving as the Yankees starter in center field. The Yankees gave Hicks a seven-year $7-million extension in 2019 that could have kept him in the Bronx until 2025.
This signing is a bold move from the Angels. While they won’t have Shohei Ohtani, they must continue adding pieces to fill that void. Plus, it shows that the front office wants to bring in more talent across the roster. Signing someone like Hicks will provide leadership in the clubhouse. It could be a win for the Angels if Hicks can build off what he did with the Orioles last season.
The newly signed Hicks gives the Angels five outfielders in total. Los Angeles already has Mike Trout, Mickey Moniak, Taylor Ward, and Jo Adell on the 40-man roster. They will all compete for spots on Opening Day once spring training opens.
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