The New York Yankees have a slight dilemma in their rather drama-less season compared to years past. Usually, it’s the injury bug plaguing the lineup, but now it is a player feeling like he should be used more than he is.
Aaron Hicks is that player, and his comments made to The Athletic show the disconnect between theNew York Yankees and the outfielder. “It’s kind of uncertain. … I just want to play. I don’t want to come off the bench and face closers all day. I want to play the field, I want to play every day, and it’s just what I want to do. I want to start. I really don’t know what else to say,” Hicks said.
So, where do we go from here? Let’s talk about it.
New York Yankees: What to do about the Aaron Hicks dilemma?
There is not much you really can do with Hicks. He has had an abysmal season, so trading him is out. If you continue to sit him, the slump only continues for when he is needed due to injury or another piece in the lineup failing. The only real reason we have seen Hicks in the lineup is the devastating injury to Giancarlo Stanton and the need for another glove in the outfield. The farm system may have some players ready to at least give it a go in the Majors, but that would involve moving another player back down.
That really only leaves one option, and that is to continue playing him until Stanton is healthy enough to return. Maybe he breaks this unbelievably bad stat line of .129 from the plate, and 10 strikeouts. Only then, once Stanton returns to full duty, can the Yankees really do anything about Hicks.
It is still just too early to make a judgment call, but certainly, this will be his last season in pinstripes.