Aaron Michael Hicks, born on October 2, 1989, has carved out a noteworthy career in Major League Baseball (MLB), marked by flashes of brilliance, frustrating injuries, and ultimately, a testament to his perseverance. A former first-round draft pick lauded for his athleticism and switch-hitting prowess, Hicks has navigated the highs and lows of professional baseball, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he’s played for. This article will explore the multifaceted career of Aaron Hicks, from his promising beginnings to his recent endeavors, addressing the questions that frequently arise among baseball enthusiasts.
A Highly Touted Prospect: Early Years and Draft
Hicks’ baseball journey began at Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California, where his exceptional talent as a switch-hitting outfielder quickly garnered attention from MLB scouts. Possessing a rare blend of speed, power potential, and a strong throwing arm, Hicks was considered one of the top prospects in the 2008 MLB Draft.
His potential was realized when the Minnesota Twins selected him with the 14th overall pick in the first round. This high draft pedigree came with significant expectations, and Hicks was immediately recognized as a key piece of the Twins’ future. Baseball America, a respected authority on baseball prospects, named him a Rookie All-Star in his first professional season in the Gulf Coast League and subsequently ranked him as the top prospect within the Twins’ organization.
Over the next few years in the minor leagues, Hicks showcased his diverse skillset, consistently demonstrating a solid batting average, developing power, and impressive stolen base numbers. He was ranked among Baseball America’s top 100 prospects on four separate occasions, further solidifying his status as a player with significant upside.
Minnesota Twins (2013-2015): The Debut and Early Struggles
Hicks made his highly anticipated MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on April 1, 2013, earning the starting center field job out of spring training. He chose to wear number 32 in honor of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, who also donned that number during his time with the Twins, a symbolic gesture of the high hopes placed upon him.
However, Hicks’ initial seasons in the majors were marked by inconsistency at the plate. While his defensive abilities in center field were evident, his offensive production lagged behind expectations. His batting average in his rookie season was a disappointing .192. Despite this underwhelming start, the Twins remained optimistic about his potential and named him their starting center fielder again in 2014. Unfortunately, his sophomore campaign didn’t show significant improvement, and he was eventually demoted to Double-A. During this period, Hicks even briefly abandoned switch-hitting due to a lack of confidence batting left-handed, only to return to it less than a month later, highlighting the mental challenges of adapting to the highest level of competition.
In his final season with the Twins in 2015, Hicks showed glimpses of the talent that made him a first-round pick. In 97 games, he batted .256 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs, suggesting a potential breakout. However, the Twins ultimately decided to move in a different direction, trading him to the New York Yankees after the 2015 season.
New York Yankees (2016-2023): Flashes of Brilliance and Frustration
The trade to the New York Yankees marked a new chapter in Hicks’ career. Initially viewed as a fourth outfielder, he gradually earned more playing time due to his defensive prowess and occasional offensive sparks. His 2017 season was arguably his best in the Bronx, where he batted .266 with 15 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a stellar .847 OPS in 88 games. His defensive metrics were also strong, establishing him as a valuable two-way player.
Following his strong 2017, the Yankees showed their faith in Hicks by signing him to a seven-year, $70 million contract extension prior to the 2019 season. This long-term commitment signaled their belief that he could be a consistent and impactful player in their lineup. However, the subsequent years in New York were plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance. While he displayed flashes of his potential, hitting for power and getting on base at a decent clip at times, he struggled with extended periods of offensive drought and spent significant time on the injured list.
Despite the frustrations, Hicks had moments of significant contribution for the Yankees. His defensive plays in center field were often highlight-reel worthy, and when healthy and hitting well, he provided a valuable switch-hitting presence in the lineup. However, his inability to consistently stay on the field and produce offensively ultimately led to his release by the Yankees in May 2023.
Baltimore Orioles (2023): A Change of Scenery and Resurgence
Shortly after his release from the Yankees, Hicks signed a major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. This change of scenery proved to be beneficial for the veteran outfielder. In 65 games with the Orioles, Hicks experienced a significant offensive resurgence, batting .275 with seven home runs, 31 RBIs, and an impressive .806 OPS. He seemed to find his rhythm at the plate, contributing to the Orioles’ successful season and playoff berth. His performance in Baltimore demonstrated that he still possessed the talent that once made him a top prospect.
Los Angeles Angels (2024): A Homecoming and Another Setback
In January 2024, Hicks signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, marking a return to his Southern California roots. The move was seen as a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for the Angels, who hoped Hicks could provide outfield depth and offensive production. However, his time with the Angels was short-lived and disappointing. He struggled mightily at the plate, batting just .140 in 18 games. Consequently, the Angels designated him for assignment in late April 2024 and subsequently released him in early May. This swift departure raised questions about his future in the major leagues.
Current Status (May 2025): Free Agency and Uncertainty
As of May 2025, Aaron Hicks finds himself as a free agent. Following his release from the Angels in the previous year, he did not sign with another MLB team for the remainder of the 2024 season. At 35 years old, Hicks’ future in professional baseball is uncertain. While his strong performance with the Orioles in 2023 showed he can still be a productive player, his struggles with the Yankees and the Angels raise concerns about consistency and durability.
It is possible that Hicks could receive minor league offers with an invitation to spring training, providing him an opportunity to prove he can still contribute at the major league level. Teams seeking outfield depth with switch-hitting capabilities might see value in his experience and potential for a bounce-back. However, the lack of a major league deal thus far suggests that opportunities may be limited.
FAQs
Which teams has Aaron Hicks played for?
Throughout his MLB career, Aaron Hicks has played for the Minnesota Twins (2013-2015), New York Yankees (2016-2023), Baltimore Orioles (2023), and Los Angeles Angels (2024).
What are Aaron Hicks’ career stats?
In his MLB career through the 2024 season, Aaron Hicks has a batting average of .231 with 109 home runs, 392 RBIs, and 71 stolen bases in 981 games played. His on-base percentage (OBP) is .330, and his slugging percentage (SLG) is .383, resulting in an OPS of .713.
Why did the Yankees release Aaron Hicks?
The Yankees released Aaron Hicks in May 2023 due to inconsistent offensive performance and a history of injuries that limited his playing time. Despite signing him to a long-term contract, his production did not consistently meet expectations.
How did Aaron Hicks perform with the Baltimore Orioles?
Aaron Hicks had a successful stint with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023 after being released by the Yankees. In 65 games, he batted .275 with seven home runs, 31 RBIs, and an .806 OPS, contributing to their playoff-bound season.
Why was Aaron Hicks released by the Los Angeles Angels?
The Angels released Aaron Hicks in May 2024 due to his poor offensive performance in the early part of the season. In 18 games, he batted just .140 with one home run and five RBIs.
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