New York Yankees: Is Aaron Hicks worth keeping in the Bronx?
Aaron Hicks enjoyed the best campaign in his career in 2017. But with a deep outfield corps, do the New York Yankees need him to stick around?
Recent New York Yankees trade talks include Clint Frazier and Jacoby Ellsbury. But fans’ skepticism seems to surround a different outfielder.
The 28-year-old survived a horrid first season with the Yankees to rebound strongly in 2017. He improved dramatically at the plate and even in the field to sport a 3.9 WAR compared to a -0.8 WAR in 2016.
However, Hicks essentially had one outstanding half-season. After dealing with a lingering oblique injury, the outfielder struggled. His splits from the first half of the year compared to his numbers post-All-Star game are eye-opening.
Hicks arguably had a case for an All-Star appearance, as he batted .290 with a .913 OPS before July. But as a result of his injury, he accrued just 200 at-bats. The 39 games between the end of June and the middle of August.
Once he returned, his performances were rather appalling. He managed to hit just .218 but still reached base thanks to a sharp eye at the plate. Unfortunately, his slump wasn’t comforted by a high BABIP, meaning luck was not a notable variable in play.
But he still possesses some value in the team’s deep outfield corps, right? It depends on his health and how that affects his play.
Fans would probably rather bet their money on Frazier and his potential compared to a guy that boasts a career .232 average and not much viable experience.
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The trio of Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner, and Aaron Judge doesn’t make Hicks a necessity.
The issue at hand, however, is that Hicks won’t be a free agent until 2020 and he’s arbitration eligible. Also, it will be difficult for general manager Brian Cashman to make Hicks look appealing.
The Yankees will need to deal a prospect or two to acquire any pitcher.
Yet, if a team like the Diamondbacks are interested in someone like Ellsbury with a monstrous contract, maybe Cashman can sway them to take Hicks.
New York already has six solid starters – Chad Green included – and is searching for some insurance.
A trade for Cole may be imminent. But if the Yankees can steal a lesser-known solid pitcher and discard Hicks or Ellsbury, it would be a much better deal. There are also other pitchers still on the market worth signing for a minimum salary.
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Unless Hicks produces a full season of promise in New York, he should be near the top of the list of players worth dealing. Of course, the Yankees need a decent pitcher in return.