Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks has suffered a setback and has been unable to resume throwing, manager Aaron Boone told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch and other reporters today. Hicks hit the injured list with a right flexor strain on August 4, and while an MRI this week revealed no new damage to his elbow, “he’s still not quite where he needs to be to start ramping up,” Boone said.
It’s been a tough year for Hicks, who didn’t make his season debut until May 15 due to a back injury. When he has been healthy, Hicks has delivered slightly above-average production (102 wRC+, 103 OPS+) over 255 plate appearances, hitting .235/.325/.443 with 12 home runs, though it represents a notable step down from his .255/.368/.470 performance over the 2017-18 seasons.
Now, it’s possible he might not be able to be back on the field before the end of the regular season, which also puts his availability for New York’s postseason roster in jeopardy. If the worst happens and Hicks’ season is indeed over, it’s worth wondering how this injury-riddled campaign would have impacted Hicks in free agency had he not signed an extension with the Yankees in February. Rather than hit the open market with an injury cloud hanging over him, Hicks has the security of $64MM in guaranteed money through the 2025 season.
Until more is known on Hicks, Brett Gardner will continue to get the bulk of playing time as the Yankees’ regular center fielder, with Mike Tauchman and (if healthy himself) Cameron Maybin also able to handle the position. As has been the story of the Yankees’ season, the club has fared just fine without a key injured player, as Gardner has been on fire (.923 OPS over his last 105 PA) since taking over for Hicks.
I heard Ellsbury resumed working out today. No need to worry guys.
if our lord and savior Jacoby returns we will be alright
Never heard of him.
The Ellsbury Dough Boy can stay where ever he is thanks
So did Brett Cecil of the Cardinals
What picture is that in the app?
Ellsbury 2.0?
With this much invested in CF and so few games, what do the Yanks do for CF? Do you trust Tausch to be your regular CF, bring back Gardy/Maybin for another year? Put Frazier in center?
If this is was his first season wouldnt be as concerned but i dont think he has ever topped 140 games .. and only over 100 in 2 season in his career.
If Hicks can’t make it back, the Yanks are fine with Gardner and Tauchman. And with more off days during the playoffs—where teams never play more than three days in a row — Garda will get enough time off to avoid wearing down.
Sorry i meant for next season.
I think there was already a chance that Gardner returned in 2020 under the same plan they had this year, and this likely increases those odds unless his asking price is too high.
Next year is big for Florial. He has to stay healthy, get back to the numbers that made him a top 100 prospect so he can get time in AA ball. It will have a pretty big impact on the outfield plans, because he could push Hicks to LF eventually.
The Yankees knew this might happen going in. Hicks knew this might happen going in. It’s why the contract is what it is. To me, this is the ironic justice and fate that the Yankee Outfield was destined for when Gardy’s option got turned down but he was re-signed. That contract with Hicks was always glaring for its overall length and its overall cheapness. Now people should be seeing the why of it. Gardy’s opportunity and resurgence are a natural byproduct of Hicks’ tendency toward injuries. Good for Gardy and Hicks. Hicks for the guaranteed money no matter if his body holds up or not and Gardy for reminding the Yankees of his value. I hope Gardy is signed to a 1-year extension reflective in price of his real contributions to the club (3.5 WAR so far this season, good for about $15-25M AAV on the open market…ahem….) if he doesn’t decide to retire.
@Trillionaire,
IF they let CC come back for a year, for what I have no idea, they should in a heart beat have GARDY back.
He can do it all at his age!!
Aaron hicks have to be trade this season i dont care if his game is similar of Bernie Williams he will never be Bernie trade this fuy
What?
This gibberish is only made worse by saying Hicks game in anyway is similar to Bernie Williams. The only things similar for them is paying cf and switch hitting, but there’s a giant separation in performance.
For how often and how long Hicks stays hurt for, this contract was far too generous. Wish I could get paid to sit around like Hicks and Ellsbury.
@the author here
I believe Hicks has $62mil guaranteed, not 64. He got a $2mil signing bonus this year, and has $61mil in salary from 2020 to 2025 with a $1mil buyout on the 2026 team option if I have it right.