The New York Yankees released Aaron Hicks before Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, leaving the underperforming outfielder with around $27.6 million left on a seven-year, $70 million deal.
Hicks was designated for assignment in order to make way for outfielder Greg Allen, who was acquired from Boston in a deal on Friday.
In 28 games this season, Hicks batted.188 with a homer and five RBIs. In February 2019, he agreed to a seven-year, $70 million deal with New York, but he hurt his right elbow on Aug. 3, missing the remainder of the regular season and five playoff games after homering in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series against Houston’s Justin Verlander.
“It is what it is,” Hicks replied, as reported by the New York Post. “It’s a part of the business.” I just need to get to the next chapter… This is an outstanding baseball squad. It seemed that it wasn’t working out for me.”
Hicks had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 30 with Los Angeles Dodgers chief team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
He returned in July of the following year for the pandemic-shortened season, but he was no longer the same player. Hicks hit.212 with 19 homers and 80 RBIs in 244 games after surgery, compared to.236 with 82 homers and 276 RBIs in 654 games before to the injury. His 2021 season ended on May 12 due to a ruptured tendon sheath in his left wrist, which necessitated season-ending surgery on May 26.
Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, characterised his conversation with Hicks as “quiet” and “sombre.”
“This is our family,” remarked Boone. “With these guys, you go through everything.” Aaron obviously has his ups and downs. It was a difficult topic to have, but we believed it was important.”
New York has seven days to trade or send Hicks on waivers, and given his salary, it’s unlikely he’ll be claimed. Hicks owes New York $7,620,968 for the balance of this year’s $10.5 million contract, as well as $9.5 million payments in each of the following two seasons and a $1 million buyout of a 2026 club option.
Hicks made his big league debut in 2013 with the Minnesota Twins. In exchange for Allen, the Yankees also sent the Red Sox minor league right-hander Diego Hernández and cash.
Allen, 30, is starting his second stint with the Yankees after participating in 15 games with them in 2021. During his six major league seasons, he also played for Cleveland, San Diego, and Pittsburgh.
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