The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant move to strengthen their outfield by agreeing to terms with veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks on a one-year contract. This acquisition adds depth to an outfield mix that already includes superstars like Mike Trout and promising young players such as Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak, and Jo Adell.
At 34 years old, Hicks is still under the seven-year, $70 million contract he originally signed with the New York Yankees. Despite his struggles in the early months of the 2023 season, leading to his release by the Yankees, Hicks showed a resurgence after joining the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. In his time with the Orioles, Hicks significantly improved his slash line to .275/.381/.425 over 65 games.
When looking at Hicks’ best stretch from 2017 to 2020, we see an impressive player with a strong .819 OPS. During this period, Hicks accumulated 60 home runs and showcased his value with 8.7 FanGraphs wins above replacement in 338 games. His ability to switch-hit and experience playing both center field and outfield corners adds versatility to his game and opens up new possibilities for the Angels.
The arrival of Hicks not only reinforces the depth in the Angels’ outfield but also provides them with options for future trades. By having an additional outfielder like Hicks, the Angels now have the flexibility to potentially use one of their other outfielders as trade bait to acquire a much-needed starting pitcher or an impact bat.
However, the signing of Hicks is not solely motivated by trade possibilities. The Angels also view him as critical depth given the uncertainties surrounding Jo Adell’s development. With Hicks in the roster, the team can rest assured that they have a reliable option to fill in if needed.
There have been speculations regarding the impact of Hicks’ addition on Mike Trout’s position in the outfield. However, Angels general manager Perry Minasian made it clear that Trout’s role as the center fielder remains unchanged. During a recent video conference with local reporters, Minasian emphasized the importance of having players who can play multiple positions, highlighting Hicks’ ability to handle center field as he did for the Orioles last year.
The Los Angeles Angels have made a smart move by signing veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks. His experience, switch-hitting ability, and versatility in playing both center field and outfield corners make him a valuable asset to the team. Beyond strengthening the outfield mix, Hicks’ presence grants the Angels the flexibility to explore trades and provides critical depth to the roster. With Hicks on board, the Angels are poised to make a strong push in the upcoming season.
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