Misplaced Pages

Aaron Hicks: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 02:37, 29 December 2024 edit172.100.117.24 (talk) →2019–2023: expandTag: possible unreferenced addition to BLP← Previous edit Latest revision as of 03:21, 31 December 2024 edit undo2600:4808:2b1:a101:9413:a2cc:9af8:d0d6 (talk)No edit summary 
(34 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 34: Line 34:
'''Aaron Michael Hicks''' (born October 2, 1989) is an American ] ] who is a free agent. He has previously played in ] (MLB) for the ], ], ], and ]. '''Aaron Michael Hicks''' (born October 2, 1989) is an American ] ] who is a free agent. He has previously played in ] (MLB) for the ], ], ], and ].


Hicks was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the ]. He made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Twins and was traded to the Yankees after the 2015 season. The Yankees released Hicks during the 2023 season and he signed with the Orioles. Hicks was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the ]. He made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Twins and was traded to the Yankees after the 2015 season. In 2023, the Yankees released Hicks, and he signed with the Baltimore Orioles.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Hicks grew up in ], attending ], where he was a star baseball player.<ref name="golf"/> He also attended ]'s (MLB) ], designed to promote baseball in urban areas.<ref name="golf"/> Aaron Michael Hicks was born October 2, 1989 in San Pedro, California<ref name="baseballref" /> to Joe and Jody Hicks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/twinsae-hicks-savored-opening-day-moment|title=Twins' Hicks savored Opening Day moment |website=foxsports.com|date=April 2, 2013}}</ref> He is Black.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2020/07/25/giancarlo-stanton-aaron-hicks-yankees-kneel-national-anthem/5512427002/|title='We're still in this fight': Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks kneel during national anthem |website=usatoday.com |last=Lacques |first=Gabe |date=July 25, 2020}}</ref> Hicks grew up in ] and attended ], where he was a star baseball player.<ref name="golf"/> He also attended ]'s (MLB) ], which is designed to promote baseball in urban areas.<ref name="golf"/>


==Career== ==Career==


===Minor leagues=== ===Minor leagues===
A ], Aaron was drafted by ] in the first round of the ] out of ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2844746&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |title=Twins select best talent with picks |publisher=Minnesota.twins.mlb.com |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429061620/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2844746&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=April 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In his first professional season, Hicks was tabbed a 2008 '']'' Rookie All-Star and named the top prospect in the Twins' organization. He ] .318 with four ], 27 ], twelve ] and 28 ] for the ] to earn a ] postseason All-Star nod. In 2009, Hicks batted .251 with four home runs, 29 RBIs, ten steals and 40 walks for the ]. He returned to Beloit in 2010 and hit .279 with eight home runs. A ], Hicks was drafted by ] in the first round of the ] out of ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2844746&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |title=Twins select best talent with picks |publisher=Minnesota.twins.mlb.com |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429061620/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2844746&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=April 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In his first professional season, Hicks was tabbed a 2008 '']'' Rookie All-Star and named the top prospect in the Twins' organization. He ] .318 with four ], 27 ], twelve ] and 28 ] for the ] to earn a ] postseason All-Star nod. In 2009, Hicks batted .251 with four home runs, 29 RBIs, ten steals and 40 walks for the ]. He returned to Beloit in 2010 and hit .279 with eight home runs.{{cn|date=December 2024}}


Playing for the ] in 2011, he hit .242 with five home runs. In 2012, he hit .286 with 13 home runs for the ]. After being sent down from the major leagues in August, for the 2013 season in Triple–A he batted .222 with the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksaa01.shtml |title=Aaron Hicks Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref> Playing for the ] in 2011, he hit .242 with five home runs. In 2012, he hit .286 with 13 home runs for the ]. After being sent down from the major leagues in August, for the 2013 season in Triple–A he batted .222 with the ].<ref name="baseballref">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksaa01.shtml |title=Aaron Hicks Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref>


Aaron was a top 100 prospect by '']'' four times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2009/267929.html |title=Where The Top 100 Are |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=April 9, 2009 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2010/269546.html |title=Top 100 Prospects: No. 1-20 |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=February 23, 2010 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2011/2611328.html |title=2011 Top 100 Prospects |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2013/2614739.html |title=2013 Top 100 Prospects |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=February 19, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2014 |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215184542/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2013/2614739.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hicks was ranked as a top 100 prospect by '']'' four times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2009/267929.html |title=Where The Top 100 Are |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=April 9, 2009 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2010/269546.html |title=Top 100 Prospects: No. 1-20 |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=February 23, 2010 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2011/2611328.html |title=2011 Top 100 Prospects |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2013/2614739.html |title=2013 Top 100 Prospects |publisher=Baseballamerica.com |date=February 19, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2014 |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215184542/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2013/2614739.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Minnesota Twins (2013&ndash;2015)=== ===Minnesota Twins (2013&ndash;2015)===
Line 52: Line 52:
On March 24, 2013, it was announced that Hicks would be the starting center fielder for the Minnesota Twins. He chose his new number to honor ], who wore 32 for the Twins.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berardino |first=Mike |url=http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_22940853/minnesota-twins-aaron-hicks-picks-32-dave-winfield.html |title=Minnesota Twins: Aaron Hicks picks 32 for Dave Winfield, dad and more |publisher=Twincities.com |date=April 1, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref> He was sent down to AAA on August 1, and was not called back up in 2013.<ref name="twincities1">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2014/04/20/twinsights-aaron-hicks-played-saturday-in-a-fog-gardy-says/ |title=Twinsights: Aaron Hicks played Saturday 'in a fog,' Gardy says |publisher=twincities.com |date=April 20, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="googleusercontent1">{{cite web|url=https://www.argusleader.com/story/mattzimmer/2014/03/27/aaron-hicks-second-chance/6993141/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140420220821/http://www.argusleader.com/story/mattzimmer/2014/03/27/aaron-hicks-second-chance/6993141/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |title=Aaron Hicks gets another shot |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2014 }}</ref> On March 24, 2013, it was announced that Hicks would be the starting center fielder for the Minnesota Twins. He chose his new number to honor ], who wore 32 for the Twins.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berardino |first=Mike |url=http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_22940853/minnesota-twins-aaron-hicks-picks-32-dave-winfield.html |title=Minnesota Twins: Aaron Hicks picks 32 for Dave Winfield, dad and more |publisher=Twincities.com |date=April 1, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref> He was sent down to AAA on August 1, and was not called back up in 2013.<ref name="twincities1">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2014/04/20/twinsights-aaron-hicks-played-saturday-in-a-fog-gardy-says/ |title=Twinsights: Aaron Hicks played Saturday 'in a fog,' Gardy says |publisher=twincities.com |date=April 20, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="googleusercontent1">{{cite web|url=https://www.argusleader.com/story/mattzimmer/2014/03/27/aaron-hicks-second-chance/6993141/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140420220821/http://www.argusleader.com/story/mattzimmer/2014/03/27/aaron-hicks-second-chance/6993141/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |title=Aaron Hicks gets another shot |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2014 }}</ref>


In 2013, Hicks batted .192 in 281 at bats, with a .259 ].<ref name="googleusercontent1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksaa01.shtml |title=Aaron Hicks Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref> Jim Souhan of the '']'' wrote that he became: "the latest unpaid spokesman for the Public Service Announcement that reminds baseball fans not to believe anything they see in spring training."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/253301451.html |title=Souhan: After 2013 disaster, Hicks shows signs of fulfilling promise |publisher=Star Tribune |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref> In 2013, Hicks batted .192 in 281 at bats, with a .259 ].<ref name="googleusercontent1"/><ref name="baseballref" /> Jim Souhan of the '']'' wrote that he became: "the latest unpaid spokesman for the Public Service Announcement that reminds baseball fans not to believe anything they see in spring training."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/253301451.html |title=Souhan: After 2013 disaster, Hicks shows signs of fulfilling promise |publisher=Star Tribune |access-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref>


Despite his underwhelming 2013 performance, Hicks was named the starting center fielder for the 2014 season. Hicks' 2014 season did not show improvement at the plate. Through 47 games, Hicks hit .201 and was demoted to Double A on June 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/25/twins-demote-starting-center-fielder-aaron-hicks-to-double-a/|title=Twins demote starting center fielder Aaron Hicks to Double-A|work=HardballTalk|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=November 11, 2015}}</ref> Despite his underwhelming 2013 performance, Hicks was named the starting center fielder for the 2014 season. Hicks' 2014 season did not show improvement at the plate. Through 47 games, Hicks hit .201 and was demoted to Double A on June 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/25/twins-demote-starting-center-fielder-aaron-hicks-to-double-a/|title=Twins demote starting center fielder Aaron Hicks to Double-A|work=HardballTalk|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=November 11, 2015}}</ref>
Line 66: Line 66:
During a game against the ] on April 20, 2016, Hicks made a throw that nabbed ] at home plate for an out. The throw was recorded at {{convert|105.5|mph}}, the fastest throwing speed recorded by ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=de Beaumont|first1=Vanessa|title=Yankees' Aaron Hicks Unloads Record-Breaking 105 MPH Throw for Run-Saving Out|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2634518-yankees-aaron-hicks-unloads-record-breaking-105-mph-throw-for-run-saving-out|website=bleacherreport.com/|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=April 20, 2016}}</ref> In 123 games of 2016, Hicks batted .217 with eight home runs and 31 RBI. During a game against the ] on April 20, 2016, Hicks made a throw that nabbed ] at home plate for an out. The throw was recorded at {{convert|105.5|mph}}, the fastest throwing speed recorded by ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=de Beaumont|first1=Vanessa|title=Yankees' Aaron Hicks Unloads Record-Breaking 105 MPH Throw for Run-Saving Out|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2634518-yankees-aaron-hicks-unloads-record-breaking-105-mph-throw-for-run-saving-out|website=bleacherreport.com/|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=April 20, 2016}}</ref> In 123 games of 2016, Hicks batted .217 with eight home runs and 31 RBI.


In early June 2017, with just 154 at bats, Hicks had already hit more home runs (10) and RBIs (34) than in all of last season. As of June 9 he ranked seventh in the majors in both ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2017/06/09/aaron-hicks-provides-power-as-yankees-roll-to-third-straight-win/|title=Aaron Hicks provides power as Yankees roll to third straight win|first=George A.|last=King III|date=June 10, 2017|website=New York Post|access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/sort/onBasePct/order/true|title=2017 Regular Season MLB Baseball Batting Statistics and League Leaders|website=espn.com|access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref> On April 13, 2017, Hicks hit two home runs; one batting left handed and one batting right handed. He drove in all three runs as the Yankees won 3–2 over the ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoch|first1=Bryan|title=Aaron Hicks homers from both sides as Yankees complete sweep of Rays|url=http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/224057736/aaron-hicks-homers-from-both-sides-of-plate/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012652/http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/224057736/aaron-hicks-homers-from-both-sides-of-plate/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2017|publisher=MLB|access-date=April 13, 2017}}</ref> Hicks suffered an oblique injury in late June, causing him to go on the 10-day disabled list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Calcaterra |first=Craig |url=http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2017/06/25/aaron-hicks-to-go-on-the-disabled-list-with-an-oblique-injury/ |title=Aaron Hicks to go on the disabled list with an oblique injury – HardballTalk |publisher=Mlb.nbcsports.com |date=June 25, 2017 |access-date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> On September 3, Hicks was again placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a left oblique injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aaron Hicks lands on 10-day DL with oblique strain|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/aaron-hicks-lands-10-day-dl-oblique-strain-article-1.3465933|publisher=NY Daily News|access-date=September 3, 2017}}</ref> He returned from the DL on September 26. Hicks ended the season with 15 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .266 average, all career highs.<ref name="fangraphs1">{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=5297&position=OF|title=Aaron Hicks » Statistics » Batting {{!}} FanGraphs Baseball|access-date=August 20, 2018}}</ref> By early June 2017, in just 154 at bats, Hicks had already hit more home runs (10) and RBIs (34) than he had hit in the entire 2016 season. As of June 9, he ranked seventh in the majors in both ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2017/06/09/aaron-hicks-provides-power-as-yankees-roll-to-third-straight-win/|title=Aaron Hicks provides power as Yankees roll to third straight win|first=George A.|last=King III|date=June 10, 2017|website=New York Post|access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/sort/onBasePct/order/true|title=2017 Regular Season MLB Baseball Batting Statistics and League Leaders|website=espn.com|access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref> On April 13, 2017, Hicks hit two home runs; one batting left handed and one batting right handed. He drove in all three runs as the Yankees won 3–2 over the ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoch|first1=Bryan|title=Aaron Hicks homers from both sides as Yankees complete sweep of Rays|url=http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/224057736/aaron-hicks-homers-from-both-sides-of-plate/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012652/http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/224057736/aaron-hicks-homers-from-both-sides-of-plate/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2017|publisher=MLB|access-date=April 13, 2017}}</ref> Hicks suffered an oblique injury in late June, causing him to go on the 10-day disabled list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Calcaterra |first=Craig |url=http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2017/06/25/aaron-hicks-to-go-on-the-disabled-list-with-an-oblique-injury/ |title=Aaron Hicks to go on the disabled list with an oblique injury – HardballTalk |publisher=Mlb.nbcsports.com |date=June 25, 2017 |access-date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> On September 3, Hicks was again placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a left oblique injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aaron Hicks lands on 10-day DL with oblique strain|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/aaron-hicks-lands-10-day-dl-oblique-strain-article-1.3465933|publisher=NY Daily News|access-date=September 3, 2017}}</ref> He returned from the DL on September 26. Hicks ended the season with 15 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .266 average, all career highs.<ref name="fangraphs1">{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=5297&position=OF|title=Aaron Hicks » Statistics » Batting {{!}} FanGraphs Baseball|access-date=August 20, 2018}}</ref>


On March 30, 2018, the Yankees placed Hicks on the 10-day disabled list due to a strained right intercostal muscle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aaron Hicks goes on 10-day DL|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-aaron-hicks-to-dl-mckinney-recalled/c-270135196|publisher=MLB|access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> He was reinstated from the DL on April 12 and hit an ] against the ] on the next day. Hicks would hit another inside-the-park-home run against the ] on May 19, becoming the first Yankee since ] in 1958 to hit two inside-the-park-home runs in a single season. On July 1, Hicks hit three home runs in one game against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=380701110|title=Red Sox vs. Yankees - Box Score - July 1, 2018 |website=espn.com|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> Hicks ended the season with 27 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 119 hits, all career highs.<ref name="fangraphs1"/> On March 30, 2018, the Yankees placed Hicks on the 10-day disabled list due to a strained right intercostal muscle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aaron Hicks goes on 10-day DL|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-aaron-hicks-to-dl-mckinney-recalled/c-270135196|publisher=MLB|access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> He was reinstated from the DL on April 12 and hit an ] against the ] on the next day. Hicks would hit another inside-the-park-home run against the ] on May 19, becoming the first Yankee since ] in 1958 to hit two inside-the-park-home runs in a single season. On July 1, Hicks hit three home runs in one game against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=380701110|title=Red Sox vs. Yankees - Box Score - July 1, 2018 |website=espn.com|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> Hicks ended the season with 27 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 119 hits, all career highs.<ref name="fangraphs1"/>
Line 72: Line 72:
====2019&ndash;2023==== ====2019&ndash;2023====
] ]
On January 11, 2019, Hicks signed a one-year, $6&nbsp;million contract to remain with the Yankees. On February 25, Hicks signed a seven-year, $70&nbsp;million contract extension, replacing the one-year deal. The deal includes a $12.5&nbsp;million club option for 2026, a $1&nbsp;million buyout and a $2 million signing bonus.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoch|first1=Bryan|title=Hicks signs 7-year extension with Yankees|url=https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees|website=MLB.com|publisher=]|date=February 25, 2019|access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref> He began the 2019 year on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back strain. On May 6, he was optioned to the Tampa Tarpons for a rehab assignment. On June 24, against the ], Hicks hit a home run that helped the Yankees tie a league record with 27 straight games hitting a home run. On June 29, 2019, Hicks became the first MLB player to hit a home run in Europe during the first inning of the Red Sox-Yankees ]. On September 10, Hicks left the game with an elbow injury. It was revealed that Hicks was diagnosed with a right flexor strain in his right elbow since August 3, and that Tommy John surgery would be necessary to correct the problem. The Yankees ruled Hicks out for the rest of 2019 due to his elbow injury. On January 11, 2019, Hicks signed a one-year, $6&nbsp;million contract to remain with the Yankees. On February 25, Hicks signed a seven-year, $70&nbsp;million contract extension, replacing the one-year deal. The deal includes a $12.5&nbsp;million club option for 2026, a $1&nbsp;million buyout and a $2 million signing bonus.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoch|first1=Bryan|title=Hicks signs 7-year extension with Yankees|url=https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees|website=MLB.com|publisher=]|date=February 25, 2019|access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref> He began the 2019 year on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back strain. On May 6, he was optioned to the Tampa Tarpons for a rehab assignment. On June 24, against the ], Hicks hit a home run that helped the Yankees tie a league record with 27 straight games hitting a home run. On June 29, 2019, Hicks became the first MLB player to hit a home run in Europe during the first inning of the Red Sox-Yankees ].{{cn|date=December 2024}}


On October 11, 2019, Aaron Hicks told a New York Post reporter that he would be on the ALCS roster against the ]. The following day, the Yankees announced that they had reinstated Hicks from the 60-day injured list and added him to the roster, replacing ]. He revealed that after his ] recommendation, he had decided not to have surgery immediately and engaged in light physical activity on his own. After a week, he visited the Yankees' spring training complex to work out his elbow. Following a few weeks of regular exercise, it was determined that he would not in fact require surgery and he joined his team on the road in Houston. He later underwent the surgery, and was expected to miss 8–10 months.<ref>{{cite web|title=When to Expect Aaron Hicks' Return From Tommy John Surgery|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/yankees-aaron-hicks-tommy-john-return|access-date=2020-07-08|website=SI.com|date=March 2020 |language=en}}</ref> On September 10, 2019, Hicks suffered an elbow injury. It was revealed that Hicks was diagnosed with a right flexor strain in his right elbow since August 3, and that Tommy John surgery would be necessary to correct the problem.{{cn|date=December 2024}} The Yankees ruled Hicks out for the rest of 2019 due to his elbow injury.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2019/09/11/aaron-hicks-is-done-for-the-season/ |title=Aaron Hicks is done for the season |website=nydailynews.com |last=Ackert |first=Kristie |date=September 11, 2019}}</ref> After his ] recommendation, Hicks decided not to have surgery immediately and engaged in light physical activity on his own. On October 12, 2019, the Yankees added Hicks to the team's ALCS roster. He later underwent the surgery, and was expected to miss 8–10 months.<ref>{{cite web|title=When to Expect Aaron Hicks' Return From Tommy John Surgery|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/yankees-aaron-hicks-tommy-john-return|access-date=2020-07-08|website=SI.com|date=March 2020 |language=en}}</ref>{{dead link|date=December 2024}}


With ] delaying the start of the season by over four months, Hicks was able to return to play in the intra-squad scrimmage match just eight months post surgery.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-07-07|title=Aaron Hicks (elbow) hits leadoff in intrasquad game|url=https://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/news/257786/aaron-hicks-elbow-hits-leadoff-intrasquad-game.php|access-date=2020-07-08|website=FantasyPros|language=en}}</ref> In 54 games, Hicks batted .225 with six home runs and 21 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aaron Hicks Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksaa01.shtml |website=baseball-reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference, LLC |access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref> After the ] delayed the start of the 2020 season by over four months, Hicks returned to play in an intra-squad game just eight months post-surgery.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-07-07|title=Aaron Hicks (elbow) hits leadoff in intrasquad game|url=https://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/news/257786/aaron-hicks-elbow-hits-leadoff-intrasquad-game.php|access-date=2020-07-08|website=FantasyPros|language=en}}</ref> In 2020, Hicks played in 54 games, batting .225 with six home runs and 21 RBIs.<ref name="baseballref" />


On May 21, 2021, Hicks underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, which was expected to end his season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-hicks-left-wrist-surgery|title=Hicks' wrist surgery could sideline him for '21|website=MLB.com}}</ref> On May 30, Hicks was placed on the 60-day injured list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/yankees-select-nestor-cortes-jr-2.html|title = Yankees Select Nestor Cortes Jr| date=May 30, 2021 }}</ref> In 32 games for the Yankees, Hicks posted a .194/.294/.333 batting line with 4 home runs and 14 RBIs. On May 21, 2021, Hicks underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-hicks-left-wrist-surgery|title=Hicks' wrist surgery could sideline him for '21|website=MLB.com |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> On May 30, Hicks was placed on the 60-day injured list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/yankees-select-nestor-cortes-jr-2.html|title = Yankees Select Nestor Cortes Jr.|website=mlbtraderumors.com |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=May 30, 2021 }}</ref> In 2021, Hicks played in 32 games, posting a .194/.294/.333 batting line with four home runs and 14 RBIs.


On July 6, 2022, Hicks hit his first career ] while pinch hitting for ] as part of a 16–0 victory over the ]. Fellow outfielder ], whom Hicks eventually replaced in center field, had hit a grand slam earlier that night, making the pair the first two players with the same first name to hit grand slams in the same game. On September 23, Hicks hit a 405–foot home run off of ] of the ] for his 100th career home run.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Staying Ready, Yankees' Aaron Hicks Takes Advantage of Opportunity|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/new-york-yankees-aaron-hicks-takes-advantage-of-opportunity-hits-100th-career-home-run|access-date=June 21, 2023|website=si.com|date=September 24, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, Hicks batted .216/.330/.313 with 8 home runs and 40 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksaa01.shtml|title=Aaron Hicks Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> On July 6, 2022, Hicks hit his first career ] while pinch hitting for ] as part of a 16–0 victory over the ]. Fellow outfielder ], whom Hicks eventually replaced in center field, had hit a grand slam earlier that night, making the pair the first two players with the same first name to hit grand slams in the same game.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

On September 10, 2022, Max Goodman of '']'' wrote the following: <blockquote>Aaron Hicks has plunged to rock bottom on multiple occasions throughout the 2022 season. What transpired during the fourth inning during Friday night's loss against the Rays at Yankee Stadium, however, was arguably the lowest point he's ever experienced in pinstripes.<br><br> After dropping a fly ball in left field, proceeding to loiter on the warning track—thinking the ball was foul while two runs came around to score—Hicks came up empty on a second catchable ball and run-scoring hit in his direction.<br><br> The boos directed at Hicks from a sellout crowd in the Bronx were deafening, louder than they've been all season. It didn't stop until Estevan Florial replaced Hicks in left field to begin the next inning, a defensive switch that sparked cheers from the home crowd.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/new-york-aaron-hicks-reacts-being-benched-aaron-boone-dropped-fly-ball-loss-tampa-bay-rays |title=Aaron Hicks Reacts to Being Benched After Costly Misplays in Left Field |website=si.com |last=Goodman |first=Max |date=September 10, 2022}}</ref></blockquote>

On September 23, Hicks hit a 405–foot home run off of ] of the ] for his 100th career home run.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Staying Ready, Yankees' Aaron Hicks Takes Advantage of Opportunity|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/new-york-yankees-aaron-hicks-takes-advantage-of-opportunity-hits-100th-career-home-run|access-date=June 21, 2023|website=si.com|date=September 24, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, Hicks batted .216/.330/.313 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs.<ref name="baseballref" />


Although Hicks was considered the frontrunner to be the Yankees' starting ] entering the 2023 season, he ultimately started the season on the bench, with ] being named the starting left fielder instead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2023/04/01/yankees-aaron-boone-oswaldo-cabrera-earned-start-over-aaron-hicks/|title=Yankees' Aaron Boone: Oswaldo Cabrera 'earned' start over Aaron Hicks|first=Mark W. |last=Sanchez|work=New York Post|date=April 1, 2023|accessdate=April 7, 2023}}</ref> Hicks played in 28 games for the Yankees in 2023, batting .188/.263/.261 with one home run and five RBI, before being ] on May 20, 2023 after ] was added to the roster.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yankees DFA longtime OF Aaron Hicks, add OF Greg Allen |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37693068/yankees-dfa-long-aaron-hicks-add-greg-allen |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> The Yankees released Hicks on May 26. More than two-and-one-half seasons remained in his contract, and the Yankees owed him $27.6M. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented, "'I hope what doesn’t get lost is a couple of really good seasons that he had here, had some good postseason moments here. Some injuries really impacted his time here and probably impacted his career...'"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/aaron-hicks-yankees-released-1bda58b42fdca96e5cb8872ee10aac05 |title=Aaron Hicks released by Yankees, who owed outfielder $27.6 million |publisher=AP News |date= May 26, 2023|accessdate=2023-05-31}}</ref> Although Hicks was considered the frontrunner to be the Yankees' starting ] entering the 2023 season, he ultimately started the season on the bench, with ] being named the starting left fielder instead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2023/04/01/yankees-aaron-boone-oswaldo-cabrera-earned-start-over-aaron-hicks/|title=Yankees' Aaron Boone: Oswaldo Cabrera 'earned' start over Aaron Hicks|first=Mark W. |last=Sanchez|work=New York Post|date=April 1, 2023|accessdate=April 7, 2023}}</ref> Hicks played in 28 games for the Yankees in 2023, batting .188/.263/.261 with one home run and five RBI, before being ] on May 20, 2023 after ] was added to the roster.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yankees DFA longtime OF Aaron Hicks, add OF Greg Allen |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37693068/yankees-dfa-long-aaron-hicks-add-greg-allen |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> The Yankees released Hicks on May 26. More than two-and-one-half seasons remained in his contract, and the Yankees owed him $27.6M. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented, "'I hope what doesn’t get lost is a couple of really good seasons that he had here, had some good postseason moments here. Some injuries really impacted his time here and probably impacted his career...'"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/aaron-hicks-yankees-released-1bda58b42fdca96e5cb8872ee10aac05 |title=Aaron Hicks released by Yankees, who owed outfielder $27.6 million |publisher=AP News |date= May 26, 2023|accessdate=2023-05-31}}</ref>


===Baltimore Orioles (2023)=== ===Baltimore Orioles (2023)===
On May 30, 2023, Hicks signed a one-year, major league contract with the ] following an injury to ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-hicks-signs-with-orioles | title=O's sign former Yankee Hicks, place Mullins on IL | website=] }}</ref> His $483,871 Orioles salary is a prorated share of the $720,000 MLB minimum.<ref name="lfap230704tu"> Retrieved September 11, 2023.</ref> He had a four RBI game which included a first-inning three-run homer off ] in an 8&ndash;6 away win over the ] on June 20.<ref> Retrieved September 11, 2023.</ref> He responded to a hostile crowd at ] with a fifth-inning one-out solo homer to right off ] in an 8&ndash;4 loss in his second game against his previous team on July 4.<ref name="lfap230704tu"/> He battled hamstring and lower back injury in July and August,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/injuries/baltimore-orioles-activate-former-new-york-yankees-aaron-hicks-off-of-injured-list-after-hamstring-strain-rehab-stint | title=Baltimore Orioles Activate Veteran Outfielder Aaron Hicks Off of Injured List | date=14 August 2023}}</ref> but returned in time for the team's final regular season stretch to the postseason. In the ] Game 2, Hicks delivered the Orioles' only lead of the postseason with a 2-run single in the first inning against the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/video/field-view-of-hick-s-2-run-single | title=Field view of Hicks' 2-run single}}</ref> He ended the postseason series with 1 HR, 5 RBIs, and 1.025 OPS. In the regular season with the Orioles, he played primarily left and right field or served as the designated hitter. He stole 6 bases, and appeared in 236 at-bats, hitting 7 homeruns and slashing .275/.381/.425 with an OPS of .806. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/aaron-hicks-regular-season-on-orioles-stats | title=Aaron Hicks Regular Season On Orioles Stats }}</ref> He became a free agent following the season. On May 30, 2023, Hicks signed a one-year major league contract with the ] following an injury to ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-hicks-signs-with-orioles | title=O's sign former Yankee Hicks, place Mullins on IL | website=MLB.com |last=Rill |first=Jake |date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> Hicks experienced a resurgence during his Orioles tenure,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-hicks-drives-in-4-runs-as-orioles-beat-rays |title=Hicks helping O's weather Mullins' absence |website=mlb.com |last=Murphy |first=Brian |date=June 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/orioles-aaron-hicks-continues-resurgence-with-orioles/ |title=Orioles' Aaron Hicks: Continues resurgence with Orioles |website=cbssports.com |date=June 7, 2023}}</ref> helping the team to win 101 games and finish first in the AL East.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/former-yankee-explains-stunning-resurgence-tyler9 |title=Former Yankee Explains Stunning Resurgence With Division Rival |website=si.com |last=Maher |first=Tyler |date=January 17, 2024}}</ref> On June 20, he had a four-RBI game which included a first-inning three-run homer off ] in the Orioles' 8-6 win over the ].<ref> Retrieved September 11, 2023.</ref> He responded to a hostile crowd at ] with a fifth-inning one-out solo homer to right off ] in an 8&ndash;4 loss on July 4 in his second game against his previous team.<ref name="lfap230704tu"> Retrieved September 11, 2023.</ref> He battled hamstring and lower back injuries in July and August,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/injuries/baltimore-orioles-activate-former-new-york-yankees-aaron-hicks-off-of-injured-list-after-hamstring-strain-rehab-stint | title=Baltimore Orioles Activate Veteran Outfielder Aaron Hicks Off of Injured List |website=si.com |last=Connon |first=Sam |date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> but returned in time for the team's final regular season stretch. In Game Two of the ], Hicks gave the Orioles their only lead of the postseason with a two-run first-inning single against the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/video/field-view-of-hick-s-2-run-single | title=Field view of Hicks' 2-run single}}</ref>{{better source|date=December 2024}} He finished the ALDS with one home run and five runs batted in. In the regular season with the Orioles, Hicks played left field and right field and also served as the designated hitter, hitting seven home runs and slashing .275/.381/.425.<ref name="baseballref" />


===Los Angeles Angels (2024)=== ===Los Angeles Angels (2024)===
On January 29, 2024, the ] agreed to terms with Hicks on a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $740,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/aaron-hicks-angels-free-agent-deal |title=Angels agree to deal with OF Aaron Hicks |date=January 29, 2024 }}</ref> In 18 games for the Angels, he hit .140/.222/.193 with one home run and five RBI. On April 29, Hicks was designated for assignment following the promotion of ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Angels Designate Aaron Hicks For Assignment, Select Cole Tucker|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/angels-designate-aaron-hicks-for-assignment-select-cole-tucker.html|access-date=April 29, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> He was released by the organization two days later.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aaron Hicks: Cut by Halos|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/aaron-hicks-cut-by-halos/|date=May 2, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> On January 29, 2024, the ] agreed to terms with Hicks on a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $740,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/aaron-hicks-angels-free-agent-deal |title=Angels agree to deal with OF Aaron Hicks |website=mlb.com |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=January 29, 2024 }}</ref> In 18 games for the Angels, he hit .140/.222/.193 with one home run and five RBI. On April 29, Hicks was designated for assignment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Angels Designate Aaron Hicks For Assignment, Select Cole Tucker|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/angels-designate-aaron-hicks-for-assignment-select-cole-tucker.html|access-date=April 29, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> He was released by the organization two days later.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aaron Hicks: Cut by Halos|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/aaron-hicks-cut-by-halos/|date=May 2, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Hicks' father, Joseph, was drafted by the ] in the 12th round of the ], but his career was ended early by an eye injury. This led Joseph to push his son into golf before baseball.<ref name="golf">{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-34989392|title=Hicks Following in Father's Footsteps|website=MiLB.com}}</ref> Hicks is an accomplished golfer, having competed in numerous youth golf tournaments.<ref name="golf"/> After making baseball his focus, he has continued to play golf and played in a ] event in 2019. Hicks' father, Joe Hicks, was drafted by the ] in the 12th round of the ], but his career was ended early by an eye injury. This experience led Joe Hicks to encourage his son to pursue golf.<ref name="golf">{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-34989392|title=Hicks Following in Father's Footsteps|website=MiLB.com|date=July 15, 2012}}</ref> Hicks is an accomplished golfer, having competed in numerous youth golf tournaments.<ref name="golf"/>


On October 27, 2021, Hicks got engaged to professional golfer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/sports/cheyenne-woods-aaron-hicks-engaged/|title=Golfer Cheyenne Woods Engaged to New York Yankees Player Aaron Hicks: Forever with My Best Friend'|first=Lindsay|last=Kimble|date=October 29, 2021|website=people.com}}</ref> They married in February 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-02-10 |title=Cheyenne Woods marries Aaron Hicks |url=https://womenandgolf.com/news/tour-news/cheyenne-woods-marries-aaron-hicks |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Women & Golf |language=en-US}}</ref> and their son was born in April 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ackert |first=Kristie |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Aaron Hicks back with team after birth of his son |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-aaron-hicks-return-son-20220429-nm7flrwrajcmflwrcdhzoxzpmy-story.html |website=]}} {{closed access}} {{subscription required}}</ref> They reside in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/done-deals/2021/09/06/phoenix-luxury-home-sales-include-scottsdale-mansion-aaron-hicks-home/5655225001/|title=The Arizona Republic}}</ref> On October 27, 2021, Hicks got engaged to professional golfer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/sports/cheyenne-woods-aaron-hicks-engaged/|title=Golfer Cheyenne Woods Engaged to New York Yankees Player Aaron Hicks: Forever with My Best Friend'|first=Lindsay|last=Kimble|date=October 29, 2021|website=people.com}}</ref> They married in February 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-02-10 |title=Cheyenne Woods marries Aaron Hicks |url=https://womenandgolf.com/news/tour-news/cheyenne-woods-marries-aaron-hicks |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Women & Golf |language=en-US}}</ref> and their son was born in April 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ackert |first=Kristie |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Aaron Hicks back with team after birth of his son |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-aaron-hicks-return-son-20220429-nm7flrwrajcmflwrcdhzoxzpmy-story.html |website=]}} {{closed access}} {{subscription required}}</ref> They reside in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/done-deals/2021/09/06/phoenix-luxury-home-sales-include-scottsdale-mansion-aaron-hicks-home/5655225001/|title=The Arizona Republic}}</ref>{{better source|date=December 2024}}


==References== ==References==

Latest revision as of 03:21, 31 December 2024

American baseball player (born 1989)

Baseball player
Aaron Hicks
Hicks with the New York Yankees in 2016
Free agent
Outfielder
Born: (1989-10-02) October 2, 1989 (age 35)
San Pedro, California, U.S.
Bats: SwitchThrows: Right
MLB debut
April 1, 2013, for the Minnesota Twins
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.231
Home runs109
Runs batted in392
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Aaron Michael Hicks (born October 2, 1989) is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels.

Hicks was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Twins and was traded to the Yankees after the 2015 season. In 2023, the Yankees released Hicks, and he signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

Early life

Aaron Michael Hicks was born October 2, 1989 in San Pedro, California to Joe and Jody Hicks. He is Black. Hicks grew up in San Pedro, California and attended Woodrow Wilson Classical High School, where he was a star baseball player. He also attended Major League Baseball's (MLB) Urban Youth Academy, which is designed to promote baseball in urban areas.

Career

Minor leagues

A switch hitter, Hicks was drafted by Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California. In his first professional season, Hicks was tabbed a 2008 Baseball America Rookie All-Star and named the top prospect in the Twins' organization. He batted .318 with four home runs, 27 runs batted in, twelve stolen bases and 28 walks for the Gulf Coast League Twins to earn a Gulf Coast League postseason All-Star nod. In 2009, Hicks batted .251 with four home runs, 29 RBIs, ten steals and 40 walks for the Beloit Snappers. He returned to Beloit in 2010 and hit .279 with eight home runs.

Playing for the Fort Myers Miracle in 2011, he hit .242 with five home runs. In 2012, he hit .286 with 13 home runs for the New Britain Rock Cats. After being sent down from the major leagues in August, for the 2013 season in Triple–A he batted .222 with the Rochester Red Wings.

Hicks was ranked as a top 100 prospect by Baseball America four times.

Minnesota Twins (2013–2015)

Hicks with the Minnesota Twins in 2013

On March 24, 2013, it was announced that Hicks would be the starting center fielder for the Minnesota Twins. He chose his new number to honor Dave Winfield, who wore 32 for the Twins. He was sent down to AAA on August 1, and was not called back up in 2013.

In 2013, Hicks batted .192 in 281 at bats, with a .259 on-base percentage. Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune wrote that he became: "the latest unpaid spokesman for the Public Service Announcement that reminds baseball fans not to believe anything they see in spring training."

Despite his underwhelming 2013 performance, Hicks was named the starting center fielder for the 2014 season. Hicks' 2014 season did not show improvement at the plate. Through 47 games, Hicks hit .201 and was demoted to Double A on June 9.

Hicks gave up switch hitting during the 2014 season due to a lack of confidence in his ability to bat left-handed. However, he went back to switch hitting less than a month later.

For the 2015 season, Hicks hit .256 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs in 97 games.

New York Yankees (2016–2023)

2016–2018

On November 11, 2015, the Twins traded Hicks to the New York Yankees for John Ryan Murphy. The Yankees targeted Hicks due to his athleticism, strong throwing arm, and ability to hit left-handed pitching.

During a game against the Oakland Athletics on April 20, 2016, Hicks made a throw that nabbed Danny Valencia at home plate for an out. The throw was recorded at 105.5 miles per hour (169.8 km/h), the fastest throwing speed recorded by Statcast. In 123 games of 2016, Hicks batted .217 with eight home runs and 31 RBI.

By early June 2017, in just 154 at bats, Hicks had already hit more home runs (10) and RBIs (34) than he had hit in the entire 2016 season. As of June 9, he ranked seventh in the majors in both OBP and OPS. On April 13, 2017, Hicks hit two home runs; one batting left handed and one batting right handed. He drove in all three runs as the Yankees won 3–2 over the Tampa Bay Rays. Hicks suffered an oblique injury in late June, causing him to go on the 10-day disabled list. On September 3, Hicks was again placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a left oblique injury. He returned from the DL on September 26. Hicks ended the season with 15 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .266 average, all career highs.

On March 30, 2018, the Yankees placed Hicks on the 10-day disabled list due to a strained right intercostal muscle. He was reinstated from the DL on April 12 and hit an inside-the-park home run against the Detroit Tigers on the next day. Hicks would hit another inside-the-park-home run against the Kansas City Royals on May 19, becoming the first Yankee since Mickey Mantle in 1958 to hit two inside-the-park-home runs in a single season. On July 1, Hicks hit three home runs in one game against the Boston Red Sox. Hicks ended the season with 27 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 119 hits, all career highs.

2019–2023

Hicks in 2018

On January 11, 2019, Hicks signed a one-year, $6 million contract to remain with the Yankees. On February 25, Hicks signed a seven-year, $70 million contract extension, replacing the one-year deal. The deal includes a $12.5 million club option for 2026, a $1 million buyout and a $2 million signing bonus. He began the 2019 year on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back strain. On May 6, he was optioned to the Tampa Tarpons for a rehab assignment. On June 24, against the Toronto Blue Jays, Hicks hit a home run that helped the Yankees tie a league record with 27 straight games hitting a home run. On June 29, 2019, Hicks became the first MLB player to hit a home run in Europe during the first inning of the Red Sox-Yankees 2019 London Series.

On September 10, 2019, Hicks suffered an elbow injury. It was revealed that Hicks was diagnosed with a right flexor strain in his right elbow since August 3, and that Tommy John surgery would be necessary to correct the problem. The Yankees ruled Hicks out for the rest of 2019 due to his elbow injury. After his Tommy John surgery recommendation, Hicks decided not to have surgery immediately and engaged in light physical activity on his own. On October 12, 2019, the Yankees added Hicks to the team's ALCS roster. He later underwent the surgery, and was expected to miss 8–10 months.

After the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the 2020 season by over four months, Hicks returned to play in an intra-squad game just eight months post-surgery. In 2020, Hicks played in 54 games, batting .225 with six home runs and 21 RBIs.

On May 21, 2021, Hicks underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. On May 30, Hicks was placed on the 60-day injured list. In 2021, Hicks played in 32 games, posting a .194/.294/.333 batting line with four home runs and 14 RBIs.

On July 6, 2022, Hicks hit his first career grand slam while pinch hitting for Matt Carpenter as part of a 16–0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fellow outfielder Aaron Judge, whom Hicks eventually replaced in center field, had hit a grand slam earlier that night, making the pair the first two players with the same first name to hit grand slams in the same game.

On September 10, 2022, Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated wrote the following:

Aaron Hicks has plunged to rock bottom on multiple occasions throughout the 2022 season. What transpired during the fourth inning during Friday night's loss against the Rays at Yankee Stadium, however, was arguably the lowest point he's ever experienced in pinstripes.

After dropping a fly ball in left field, proceeding to loiter on the warning track—thinking the ball was foul while two runs came around to score—Hicks came up empty on a second catchable ball and run-scoring hit in his direction.

The boos directed at Hicks from a sellout crowd in the Bronx were deafening, louder than they've been all season. It didn't stop until Estevan Florial replaced Hicks in left field to begin the next inning, a defensive switch that sparked cheers from the home crowd.

On September 23, Hicks hit a 405–foot home run off of Rich Hill of the Boston Red Sox for his 100th career home run. In 2022, Hicks batted .216/.330/.313 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs.

Although Hicks was considered the frontrunner to be the Yankees' starting left fielder entering the 2023 season, he ultimately started the season on the bench, with Oswaldo Cabrera being named the starting left fielder instead. Hicks played in 28 games for the Yankees in 2023, batting .188/.263/.261 with one home run and five RBI, before being designated for assignment on May 20, 2023 after Greg Allen was added to the roster. The Yankees released Hicks on May 26. More than two-and-one-half seasons remained in his contract, and the Yankees owed him $27.6M. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented, "'I hope what doesn’t get lost is a couple of really good seasons that he had here, had some good postseason moments here. Some injuries really impacted his time here and probably impacted his career...'"

Baltimore Orioles (2023)

On May 30, 2023, Hicks signed a one-year major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles following an injury to Cedric Mullins. Hicks experienced a resurgence during his Orioles tenure, helping the team to win 101 games and finish first in the AL East. On June 20, he had a four-RBI game which included a first-inning three-run homer off Tyler Glasnow in the Orioles' 8-6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. He responded to a hostile crowd at Yankee Stadium with a fifth-inning one-out solo homer to right off Clarke Schmidt in an 8–4 loss on July 4 in his second game against his previous team. He battled hamstring and lower back injuries in July and August, but returned in time for the team's final regular season stretch. In Game Two of the American League Division Series, Hicks gave the Orioles their only lead of the postseason with a two-run first-inning single against the Texas Rangers. He finished the ALDS with one home run and five runs batted in. In the regular season with the Orioles, Hicks played left field and right field and also served as the designated hitter, hitting seven home runs and slashing .275/.381/.425.

Los Angeles Angels (2024)

On January 29, 2024, the Los Angeles Angels agreed to terms with Hicks on a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $740,000. In 18 games for the Angels, he hit .140/.222/.193 with one home run and five RBI. On April 29, Hicks was designated for assignment. He was released by the organization two days later.

Personal life

Hicks' father, Joe Hicks, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 1975 amateur draft, but his career was ended early by an eye injury. This experience led Joe Hicks to encourage his son to pursue golf. Hicks is an accomplished golfer, having competed in numerous youth golf tournaments.

On October 27, 2021, Hicks got engaged to professional golfer Cheyenne Woods. They married in February 2022, and their son was born in April 2022. They reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.

References

  1. ^ "Aaron Hicks Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
  2. "Twins' Hicks savored Opening Day moment". foxsports.com. April 2, 2013.
  3. Lacques, Gabe (July 25, 2020). "'We're still in this fight': Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks kneel during national anthem". usatoday.com.
  4. ^ "Hicks Following in Father's Footsteps". MiLB.com. July 15, 2012.
  5. "Twins select best talent with picks". Minnesota.twins.mlb.com. March 27, 2014. Archived from the original on April 29, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  6. "Where The Top 100 Are". Baseballamerica.com. April 9, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  7. "Top 100 Prospects: No. 1-20". Baseballamerica.com. February 23, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  8. "2011 Top 100 Prospects". Baseballamerica.com. February 23, 2011. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  9. "2013 Top 100 Prospects". Baseballamerica.com. February 19, 2013. Archived from the original on December 15, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  10. Berardino, Mike (April 1, 2013). "Minnesota Twins: Aaron Hicks picks 32 for Dave Winfield, dad and more". Twincities.com. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  11. "Twinsights: Aaron Hicks played Saturday 'in a fog,' Gardy says". twincities.com. April 20, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  12. ^ "Aaron Hicks gets another shot". March 27, 2014. Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  13. "Souhan: After 2013 disaster, Hicks shows signs of fulfilling promise". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  14. "Twins demote starting center fielder Aaron Hicks to Double-A". HardballTalk. June 25, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  15. "Aaron Hicks will stop switch-hitting due to lack of confidence as lefty - CBSSports.com". www.cbssports.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  16. "Updated Twinsights: Aaron Hicks returns to switch-hitting". TwinCities.com. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  17. "Twins trade OF Aaron Hicks to Yankees for C John Ryan Murphy". CBSSports.com. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  18. Harper, John (February 10, 2016). "GM Brian Cashman takes the Daily News inside the Yankees' offseason trades". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  19. de Beaumont, Vanessa. "Yankees' Aaron Hicks Unloads Record-Breaking 105 MPH Throw for Run-Saving Out". bleacherreport.com/. Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  20. King III, George A. (June 10, 2017). "Aaron Hicks provides power as Yankees roll to third straight win". New York Post. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  21. "2017 Regular Season MLB Baseball Batting Statistics and League Leaders". espn.com. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  22. Hoch, Bryan. "Aaron Hicks homers from both sides as Yankees complete sweep of Rays". MLB. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  23. Calcaterra, Craig (June 25, 2017). "Aaron Hicks to go on the disabled list with an oblique injury – HardballTalk". Mlb.nbcsports.com. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  24. "Aaron Hicks lands on 10-day DL with oblique strain". NY Daily News. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
  25. ^ "Aaron Hicks » Statistics » Batting | FanGraphs Baseball". Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  26. "Aaron Hicks goes on 10-day DL". MLB. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  27. "Red Sox vs. Yankees - Box Score - July 1, 2018". espn.com. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  28. Hoch, Bryan (February 25, 2019). "Hicks signs 7-year extension with Yankees". MLB.com. MLB. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  29. Ackert, Kristie (September 11, 2019). "Aaron Hicks is done for the season". nydailynews.com.
  30. "When to Expect Aaron Hicks' Return From Tommy John Surgery". SI.com. March 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  31. "Aaron Hicks (elbow) hits leadoff in intrasquad game". FantasyPros. July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  32. Hoch, Bryan (May 21, 2021). "Hicks' wrist surgery could sideline him for '21". MLB.com.
  33. Franco, Anthony (May 30, 2021). "Yankees Select Nestor Cortes Jr". mlbtraderumors.com.
  34. Goodman, Max (September 10, 2022). "Aaron Hicks Reacts to Being Benched After Costly Misplays in Left Field". si.com.
  35. "Staying Ready, Yankees' Aaron Hicks Takes Advantage of Opportunity". si.com. September 24, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  36. Sanchez, Mark W. (April 1, 2023). "Yankees' Aaron Boone: Oswaldo Cabrera 'earned' start over Aaron Hicks". New York Post. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  37. "Yankees DFA longtime OF Aaron Hicks, add OF Greg Allen". ESPN.com. May 21, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  38. "Aaron Hicks released by Yankees, who owed outfielder $27.6 million". AP News. May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  39. Rill, Jake (May 30, 2023). "O's sign former Yankee Hicks, place Mullins on IL". MLB.com.
  40. Murphy, Brian (June 21, 2023). "Hicks helping O's weather Mullins' absence". mlb.com.
  41. "Orioles' Aaron Hicks: Continues resurgence with Orioles". cbssports.com. June 7, 2023.
  42. Maher, Tyler (January 17, 2024). "Former Yankee Explains Stunning Resurgence With Division Rival". si.com.
  43. "Aaron Hicks drives in 4 runs as the Orioles hold on to beat the AL East-leading Rays," The Associated Press, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  44. Fleisher, Larry. "Orioles’ Hicks answers expected boos in the Bronx with HR in 2nd game back against Yankees," The Associated Press, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  45. Connon, Sam (August 14, 2023). "Baltimore Orioles Activate Veteran Outfielder Aaron Hicks Off of Injured List". si.com.
  46. "Field view of Hicks' 2-run single".
  47. Bollinger, Rhett (January 29, 2024). "Angels agree to deal with OF Aaron Hicks". mlb.com.
  48. "Angels Designate Aaron Hicks For Assignment, Select Cole Tucker". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  49. "Aaron Hicks: Cut by Halos". cbssports.com. May 2, 2024.
  50. Kimble, Lindsay (October 29, 2021). "Golfer Cheyenne Woods Engaged to New York Yankees Player Aaron Hicks: Forever with My Best Friend'". people.com.
  51. "Cheyenne Woods marries Aaron Hicks". Women & Golf. February 10, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  52. Ackert, Kristie (April 29, 2022). "Aaron Hicks back with team after birth of his son". New York Daily News. Closed access icon (subscription required)
  53. "The Arizona Republic".

External links

2008 Major League Baseball draft first round selections
Minnesota Twins first-round draft picks
Categories: