For several years, Aaron Hicks has experienced a descent into hell with the Yankees. The club's former center fielder, who was part of the club's plans for the future, quickly became a pariah in the Bronx, where he was the target of criticism and boos from fans.
And obviously, even his relationship with the team was not perfect: remember that a rumor is circulating that the Yankees have completely prevented him from playing golf to try to limit his injuries.
Midway through last season, the Yankees ended their professional relationship with Hicks, who no longer had a place on the team. The outfielder then signed a contract with the Orioles, where he had good times.
We therefore wondered what awaited him for 2024 given that he was a free agent… and now it was the Los Angeles Angels who came to an agreement with Hicks.
We are talking about a one-year contract, which has been made official by the team.
Considering that the outfielder still receives $10 million per year from the Yankees for the next three years, we suspected that he was not going to sign a big contract.
And as a matter of fact, we are talking about a minimum wage agreement. It's the best of both worlds for both clans: he only costs the Angels a pittance while earning a good salary due to his previous contract.
What is interesting, however, is that the arrival of the former Yankees player changes things for the Angels. In the outfield, Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell were expected to take the four available spots…but with Hicks, there will be competition.
And with Adell running out of options to be sent down to the minors, that complicates things even more.
The other question is what this means for Mike Trout, as another center fielder is added to the team.
And we know that with injuries and age, the idea of seeing him move in one of the corners was mentioned…
But despite everything, Angels GM Perry Minasian was clear: Mike Trout will play center field for the Angels in 2024.
I admit that calling Aaron Hicks a “rather elite defensive centerfielder” makes me laugh a little, but the point remains: that's not where he will play, since that will be Trout's position .
We will therefore see what Hicks will be able to accomplish in the Angels uniform, but for a minimum salary pact, it is an interesting bet for the Californian team.
It will be interesting to follow, in any case.
