Former Yankees Outfielder Aaron Hicks Finds New Home In AL West

Aaron Hicks' career finally fizzled in New York last season, as the Yankees released him, before he caught on to finish the year with the Baltimore Orioles. 

He's now signed on with a team, the Los Angeles Angels, that continue to underwhelm this offseason, as Hicks hasn't had a strong full season in the majors since 2018. It is a major league deal with the Angels, while Hicks will also continue to be paid by the Yankees, as well, through 2025. 

Source: the Angels have agreed to a deal with OF Aaron Hicks, who is still being paid by the Yankees through 2025. He was released last year.

Now retiring to my vacation.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) January 29, 2024

The Yankees dropped the former first-round pick (2008, Minnesota Twins) in May, when he was hitting a dreadful .188, though it should be noted that after he signed on with the Orioles, he got a solid 200 at-bats in 65 games and batted .275 for them with an .806 OPS and an OPS+ of 127, tied for his career high. Overall, he finished 2023 hitting .253 with 8 HR and 36 RBIs, with an OPS+ of 106.

The biggest moves on the position player side of the ball that the Angels have made this winter so far have been to sign former 30-HR hitter Miguel Sano—who didn't have a major league job in 2023—and to add Hunter Dozier and Willie Calhoun on minor league contracts. 

On the negative side, they lost a 2-time MVP and all-time legendary player Shohei Ohtani. 

Hicks will now try to continue his resurgence shown in 65 games with Baltimore, as he joins an outfield mix in Anaheim that includes, of course, Mike Trout, along with Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell.  

In his 11-year career, Hicks has a lifetime .233 average, .710 OPS and a 97 OPS+.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports