Aaron Hicks' Former Team Tried to Keep Him Before He Picked the Angels
Before the Los Angeles Angels signed outfielder Aaron Hicks last week, his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, tried to re-sign him, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
"The Orioles tried to re-sign outfielder Aaron Hicks before he chose the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels have to pay him just the league minimum of $740,000 while the Yankees are responsible for paying him $8.76 million this year, and $9.5 million in 2025."
Hicks opted to sign with the Angels instead of returning to Baltimore. Hicks signed with Baltimore late last May, less than a week after he was released from the New York Yankees, where he played from 2016-23.
The change in scenery coincided with a dramatic change in performance. Hicks sported a poor .188/.263/.261 slash line at the time the Yankees released him with a guaranteed contract through 2025. After signing with the Orioles on May 30, Hicks slashed .275/.381/.425 in 65 games.
The Angels get Hicks at a bargain price tag, owing him just the major league minimum salary of $740,000. The Yankees will still be paying the majority of Hicks' salary while he suits up for the Halos.
When available, Hicks has proven to be an effective outfielder and batter — especially when standing in the box against left-handed pitchers. However, Hicks has certainly had his fair share of injuries, which has limited playing time over the years.
With the Orioles, Hicks dealt with lower back and hamstring injuries. In parts of eight seasons with the Yankees, Hicks was set back by Tommy John surgery and wrist surgery, among other issues.
The good news for the Angels is that Hicks appears to be healthy as Spring Training approaches. Hicks should report with the rest of his new teammates on Feb. 19 and could see action in an Angels uniform for the first time during Spring Training. Their first Cactus League game is scheduled for Feb. 24 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
