The Orioles have shown “serious” interest in outfielder Aaron Hicks, whom the Yankees released last week following a DFA, reports Robert Murray of FanSided (Twitter link). Pinstripe Strong podcast host JoezMcFly first connected the two parties (Twitter link). The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka tweets that no deal is finalized but adds that one could come together quickly. That could suggest that Hicks has yet to complete a physical, but regardless of whether things have progressed to that stage, it seems quite possible that Hicks will wind up remaining in the AL East.
The Baltimore outfield took a hit with yesterday’s injury to Cedric Mullins, who was diagnosed with an abductor/groin strain and is expected to land on the injured list. The veteran Hicks would give the O’s an alternative in the outfield, whether directly replacing Mullins in center or logging some time in left field while Austin Hays shifts up the defensive spectrum.
That’s assuming the two parties are discussing a big league deal, which certainly isn’t a given when considering the recent struggles from Hicks, who batted .188/.263/.261 in 76 plate appearances prior to his release. However, a Major League deal would only require Baltimore to pay Hicks the prorated league minimum for any time spent on the big league roster. The Yankees remain on the hook for the rest of Hicks’ $10.5MM salary, as well as the $9.5MM he’s owed in both 2024 and 2025 (and the $1MM on the buyout for his 2026 club option).
Both Hays and Ryan McKenna present alternatives to Mullins in center field. Prospect Kyle Stowers could also slot in there at some point — or in left field, with Hays sliding to center — but he’s been on the minor league injured list since May 23 due to inflammation in his shoulder. He’s thus not an option in the short term. Baltimore doesn’t have many other outfield options on the 40-man roster, but the O’s do have a 40-man vacancy at the moment, as they’ve yet to fill the spot that opened when catcher Luis Torrens rejected an outright assignment a couple weeks ago.
Hicks, 33, was a solid but oft-injured member of the Yankees outfield from 2017-20, batting a combined .247/.362/.457 (123 wRC+) in 1408 trips to the plate during that time. His offensive output cratered in 2021, however, and has yet to rebound. He’s batting just .209/.315/.310 in 655 big league plate appearances since Opening Day 2021, and his formerly strong glovework has taken a dip as well. With Mullins and Stowers ailing, Hicks presents a low-cost, game-ready option.
There’s minimal risk in bringing him aboard and seeing if he can bounce back to some extent outside Bronx spotlight. If he can successfully do so, he can stick around as a low-cost depth option. If not, the O’s could move on once their incumbent outfielders get a bit healthier (or sooner, if they want to take a look at a non-roster outfielder like former first-rounder Colton Cowser or minor league veterans such as Daz Cameron and Ben DeLuzio).
Just say no O’s…
Good. He’s been putting up 0’s in New York, let the O’s put up with him.
Something tells me all those O’s will change by signing in Baltimore, sometimes guys just need a change of scenery to perform better. Not saying he be an All-Star or anything. We’ll see.
You can’t argue the facts that he’s affordable and in game shape. It’s tough to find any other positives, but maybe getting out of the Bronx is all he needs.
Orioles officially have a pathological attraction to ex Twins
I could see him going to Baltimore and becoming the solid player that he once was. Some players are just not cut out for NY (see Joey Gallo, Sonny Gray).
Not unless he can stay healthy. He’s also someone who needs consistent playing time to do well. At least, used to be. He may just suck now.
Haha. You think? And his attitude sucks also
Except he did just fine in NY a few years ago. New York has nothing to do with him regressing to a below replacement level player. He is awful and the Orioles are actually better with McKenna at this point.
Hicks had one decently good stretch in his entire career 2017-2018 which was clearly a fluke. Outside of that he’s been horrible.
Diminutive Stefan, you are correct sir!
He was never solid. He was even worst with the twins than with the Yankees. Are we talking about the same Aaron hicks? Lmao
And Randy Johnson who couldn’t wait to get out of NY
He’s washed.
As a temporary stopgap with Mullins and others injured, why not? He’s cheap and available and there’s already an open roster spotX
Not sure what is worse, Padres claiming Sanchez or Orioles talking to Hicks. Hopefully Elias is smarter than Preller and just says no.
Claiming Sanchez and his salary is definitively worse. Orioles will just pay the pro-rated league minimum for Hicks for whatever time he spends on their roster.
This essentially means the Orioles have given up all hope
You don’t really know what you’re going to get from him. In his career he’s had times of both good offense and defense with just as much bad offense and defense. Since you aren’t paying him a ton he might be worth a gamble. But if I’m the O’s I would rather give someone else a look.
All ye who enter here, abandon all hope.
They’re just doing this so they can point and laugh before waiving him. Kinda like Gary Sanchez posada
The Kraken wasn’t even 30% of what Posada was and meant to the Yankees
The Os see something I don’t unless theyre considering Aaron Hicks as a DH only.
Adam Engel seems like a better fit.
If they want an exYankee to DH, Luke Voit would be a better option.
Who predicted the Tigers would have a better record than the Padres on June 1?
Who predicted that 4 teams in last years playoff are having a bad season? Cards, Mets, Padres and Phillies…Mets with the highest payroll with a .500 record.
I predicted the Cards would be under .500 because of their manager but not the rest.
Bring back Joey Rickard
Hicks could be okay, but this is soooooo ironic!!!
He’ll probably end up being great, as there are no expectations for him now, and he is cheap. He can always be cut if he doesn’t do the job
Like, as a coach?
I know he’s been awful but who else it available? Low risk signing if they choose to do so. What a time for Cowser and Stowers to be hurt.
I’d go with Daz Cameron over Aaron Hicks at this point in their career life cycles. No stats to back that up other than age and how long it’s been since Hicks has been any good. Woof… Cedric and/or Cowser can’t get healthy fast enough!
Are they looking to solidify their DL?
The injury to Mullins must be drastically more seriously than we know if anyone wants Hicks, even basically for free
So many players have come to the Yankees and gone bonkers for a little bit and then they go back to mediocrity. In fact, it’s so many players that it makes you wonder what’s going on. Is it vitamins? Sign stealing? Special baseballs? Special bats? Voodoo? The Hokey Pokey? What’s it all about?
At his best he was an average player who had tremendous athleticism which was confused for untapped potential. He never went bonkers. Hitting 20+ HR’s in the juiced ball years when the likes of guys like Brett Gardner were nearing 30 HR’s isn’t all that impressive.
Just say no. Why why why. There are many options much better than hicks on the farm.
Baltimore Banner scoops The Sun once again. Loving it!
I always drink a glass of water and hold my nose when I hear Hicks up.