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New York Yankees rumors: Trading Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson

By David Hill

Jun 11, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) greets center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) and left fielder Joey Gallo (13) after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) greets center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) and left fielder Joey Gallo (13) after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees have to try to do something this offseason.

Their focus on fiscal responsibility has led to what could be a painful offseason. Aaron Judge headlines a laundry list of key free agents whose departures could be quite painful. Those payroll issues and concerns about roster flexibility could lead to players who should be franchise cornerstones heading elsewhere.

New York Yankees have to try swinging deals

But the Yankees have to try. One possible idea is to try to make some trades. As Chris Kirschner from The Athletic noted in mailbag on Tuesday, the Yankees have to do what they can to trade Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson to free up some money.

It is a nice thought in theory. The problem is finding a market for either of those players. Donaldson may be a clubhouse cancer and just posted his worst season as a major league regular. Add in the fact that he is owed just under $30 million due to an $8 million buy out of his 2024 team option and it is difficult to see any sort of a market for his services without the Yankees footing a significant portion or taking on another bad contract.

Hicks could be tradable, although that would also likely involve taking on a bad contract or accepting a lower tier prospect. He has been mediocre at best over the past two seasons and his health is questionable at best. Hicks is also due another $30.4 million over the next three years. However, he is also a center fielder, and considering that numerous teams are looking for one, there is a chance that the Yankees could find a market for him.

If the Yankees are going to continue to push for fiscal responsibility, and have any hopes of retaining Judge while fixing the roster, they will need to find takers for that duo. That may be easier said than done. No matter how much one tries to pretend that mediocrity is anything but, the numbers and contracts speak for themselves.

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The New York Yankees have to try to trade Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson. Good luck finding takers given their production and salaries.

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