MLB Rumors: Yankees Will “Work Hard” To Trade These Two Players

The New York Yankees have some work to do this offseason. In addition to doing everything they can to bring back Aaron Judge, they'll be "working hard" to unload a couple of players who had a negative impact on the team in 2022.

The Yankees will work hard to trade Josh Donaldson and Aaron Hicks, per @Joelsherman1 pic.twitter.com/OvEbldV3HA
— YankeeMinds (@YankeeMinds) November 19, 2022

Sherman: “The Yankees will work hard to get rid of the $29 million . . . owed Josh Donaldson and the three years at $30.5 million (plus another $1 million in an assignment bonus if there is a trade) owed Aaron Hicks.”
— MichiganYankees☃️🕎 (@MichiganYankees) November 18, 2022

Both Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson performed far under expectations, and insider Joel Sherman reports that they'll try to move the two out and clear plenty of financial flexibility. “The Yankees will work hard to get rid of the $29 million . . . owed Josh Donaldson," said Sherman, "and the three years at $30.5 million (plus another $1 million in an assignment bonus if there is a trade) owed Aaron Hicks.”

Donaldson, the former AL MVP who turns 37 next month, slumped to a career-low .222 average and .682 OPS—nearly 200 points below his career mark—and his abrasive nature often rubbed those around the club the wrong way.

Hicks had another dismal year in the outfield for the Pinstripers. The 32-year-old batted .216 with a .642 OPS with only eight home runs, and hasn't batted above .235 in four years.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports