The Tools are Still in the Box
Aaron Hicks has all the tools and potential to be a very good MLB player. However, while his defense has never been a question, if he doesn’t put it all together this year offensively, he will likely see his window close with the Yankees.
With that full understanding, Hicks came into camp proclaiming he was in the best shape of his life. A new trainer had made his core stronger and his body faster. Like Wade, he entered camp with complete confidence.
Yankees fans, not so much.
If he were 23 or 24, his 2017 line of .266/.372/.475 with 15 HR and 18 doubles would look very promising. But Hicks was 27. And those were all career highs. His age and years in the league (5) say to me he is the player he is going to be. In fact, I would actually expect some regression to the mean.
Hicks could still be valuable if his OBP were to stay as high, but every point he loses reduces his worth. Unless, of course, he can replace getting on for getting more out of each hit. Hitting two DBL’s and HR during Spring Training is suggestive, but far from conclusive.
Spring Training, or the Start of A Trend?
Spring Training numbers are usually meaningless for a returning starter with five years experience, but that is not entirely true for Aaron. Yes, he has the starting center fielder’s job but he is also still in his prove it to the Yankees phase, especially with their outfield depth.
That makes his ST numbers interesting but still not relevant. But if he continues to hit .212/.357/.391, then the Yanks will see his spring as a part of the larger narrative. And then the depth chart will change. So, will it?
This is a tough one. But I just don’t believe in Aaron Hicks.
I like that he has two home runs and two doubles in ST, but I still see him as more potential than production. He will not do as well as he did last year and, at some point this season, start to be used in match-up situations only. If they can, the Yankees will eventually replace him.
And you know it’s true because, while I have perhaps been wrong about some things, I have never been wrong about Aaron Hicks.
Oh, dreadfully sorry to barge in, but I feel I must object. Mr. Claus has more than once written that Mr. Hicks has only one more year remaining until free agency, when in fact that number is two. I do hope people will remember this when reading these or any other statements contained herein.
I especially hope Mr. Claus will remember this, if I might be so bold.
But whether or not Hicks falters, the Yankees will see players emerge from the minors throughout the season. Whether that will be because of injury or upgrades, these are the players currently in the minors who will definitely impact the club in 2018.