Aaron Hicks Remains In The Bronx On Seven Year Deal
Aaron Hicks is preparing for his fourth season in the Bronx as spring training has gotten underway for the 2019 season and the center fielder will remain in the Big Apple for the seasons to come.
Hicks and the Yankees completed a seven-year, $70 million contract extension with a club option for the 2026 season on Monday. The deal replaces Hicks' one-year, $6 million contract for '19 that was previously announced on Jan. 11. A news conference is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “according to https://www.mlb.com/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees
The contract includes a $12.5 million club option for 2026, with a $1 million buyout, and a $2 million signing bonus. Hicks will be paid $10.5 million annually from 2020-23, and $9.5 million from 2024-25.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Saturday that the 29-year-old Hicks does not receive the credit that he deserves in some circles. “according to https://www.mlb.com/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees
"I think Aaron Hicks is the most underrated player in the game," Boone said. "He's such a valuable player, playing a premium position. As good as our guys control the strike zone, he's probably the poster child of it. The ability to hit for power from both sides, athleticism and speed; he's a complete player." “according to https://www.mlb.com/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees
Hicks will be seeking to improve upon a year in which he set career highs in homers (27), extra-base hits (48) and RBIs (79), compiling a .248/.366/.467 slash line in 137 games. “according to https://www.mlb.com/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees
Hicks has posted an .838 OPS with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two seasons. He is one of eight American League players to reach both of those marks with at least 200 games played, along with Jose Altuve, Mookie Betts, Alex Bregman, Aaron Judge, J.D. Martinez, Jose Ramirez and Mike Trout. “according to https://www.mlb.com/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees
Among Major League outfielders over the past two seasons, Hicks' 8.2 WAR (FanGraphs) ranks 12th, and sixth among center fielders.
Hicks’ extension is the second significant move of the spring as the Yankees attempt to secure their young core. Right-hander Luis Severino bypassed arbitration earlier this month by agreeing to a four-year, $40 million extension. The Yankees have also shown interest in extending right-hander Dellin Betances and shortstop Didi Gregorius, both of whom are eligible for free agency after the season. “according to https://www.mlb.com/news/hicks-signs-7-year-deal-with-yankees