Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks will undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, manager Aaron Boone announced to reporters Friday (Twitter link via Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record). There’s no exact timeline for his recovery, but Boone indicates that it’ll be a “months-long” process, which puts the remainder of the season in question for Hicks.
It’s yet another setback for the talented-but-oft-injured Hicks, who hasn’t looked right at the plate all season. Hicks batted just .194/.294/.333 before the discomfort in his wrist became too great and he went on the injured list last week. He underwent an MRI to determine the source of the pain, which led to the diagnosis of the tear. Given that he’s likely been playing through the issue for some time, the poor showing at the plate isn’t surprising.
Hicks appeared in 54 of the Yankees’ 60 games last summer, batting .225/.379/.414 with six homers, 10 doubles and a pair of triples. He tacked on a .308/.424/.423 showing in the team’s seven postseason games. From 2017-19, the switch-hitting Hicks gave the Yankees a .247/.362/.452 performance, but he tallied just over 1400 plate appearances during that time due to various injuries.
Hicks missed time with a hamstring strain in 2016, a pair of oblique strains in 2017 (one on his right side, one on his left) and an intercostal strain in 2018. He had a brief IL stint for back troubles in 2019 before a flexor strain put an end to his season. It was eventually revealed that Hicks would require Tommy John surgery to address the issue.
The mounting durability concerns are particularly problematic, given that in 2019, Hicks signed a seven-year, $70MM extension that runs through the 2025 campaign. He’d have been a free agent at season’s end were it not for that deal, but the Yankees are now on the hook for a $10.5MM salary from 2021-23, a $9.5MM salary in 2024-25 and a $1MM buyout on an option for the 2026 season.
Hicks’ prolonged absence now puts the struggling Brett Gardner in line to serve as the everyday center fielder. The Yankees traded Mike Tauchman to the Giants in exchange for reliever Wandy Peralta last month, and neither Aaron Judge nor Clint Frazier can be expected to handle center field on a regular basis. The Yankees have former top prospect Estevan Florial on the 40-man roster and in Triple-A, but he’s only just now getting his first experience above A-ball. It’s certainly possible they’ll still give him a look before long, but they could also be on the lookout for some outfield options outside the organization.
Sucks, but the guy hasn’t hit over .250 since like 2017 and only really provided good value one year in 2018. I never liked his contract and though he is a likeable enough guy and an okay defender, I don’t think he is a long term answer in the outfield.
It was a bad contract the day they signed him to it I was just like what are doing
He has a lifetime OPS of .729. Was at .793 last year & holds down Center. That is really not all that easy to replace.
Then why trade Tauchman? Why?
His career really took off in 2017
Since then he’s had a 362 obp and 810 OPS all while playing a good Center and hitting in a premier batting slot and be a switch hitter
I thought the contract was a little long in the tooth when signed, but I dont think bad was too be assumed considering his arc at the time- Always easier to be a GM 4 years later that’s for sure tho 😉
It’s sad that they go from an abundance of outfield depth to almost none. How do they fill the gap?
How about you don’t trade Tauchman?
Robs power anyway in modern times when coming back from the surgery for a bit. Old times, could be very bad for a career.
As a Yankees fan who follows almost every game, I never got Cash’s fascination with this guy. I know some laud his OBP but it doesn’t mean much to me when he hits .205. Yes, he does have power from time to time but his average seems to get worse every year.
For that average I’d rather have someone like Joey Gallo hitting in the Bronx with the short porch. I’m not a big fan of Gallo either and he’ll strike out 250 times but he’ll also hit 50 home runs in that park.
Can Gallo play center?
his batting avg doesnt matter as much if he has a .400 OBP
True, but he’s never had a .400 OBP in his career.
2012 .323 .417 .387 .804
.417 OBP
The Yankees need a contact hitter not another strike out bat. A Mickey Rivers type with speed and can play center, because Gardner is not doing anything with the bat,
My point with Gallo is the team may do better Gallo than Hicks given the latter’s power.
Here’s an interesting fact, one poster above is making a big deal about OBP (I don’t think it matters much if do don’t hit for average or your team can’t bring you home) but the career OBP for Hicks is .330 and .329 for Gallo. Gallo is almost .100 points higher in SLG. Career OPS+: Hicks = 98 and Gallo 111.
Who would you rather have for Yankee Stadium?
I get it. You like Gallo but there’s only one of him. I can I say I’d rather have Trout (or some other CF) but I don’t really get your point. A lot of teams will do better with a 111 OPS+ CF’er.
Unfortunately, that is not a choice the Yankees have to make. Gallo is not a member of their team. They have to choose from what they have.
I was speaking generally, not about Hicks specifically. Being that focused on average is outdated thinking.
Apparently Gallo is also a very funny guy. I’ve often heard references to Gallo’s humor.
Another one of Cashman’s great signings. Cashman is very overrated as a GM in my opinion.
Such a tired saying. Everyone complained about signing Gio. Everyone complained about DJ. EVERYONE. Everyone complained they didn’t get Corbin. Etc etc. as a Yankee fan it’s embarrassing when people say yanKees fans are the worst but it’s true.
Yankees fan here. It’s the absolute worst fanbase in mlb to have any kind of measured, logical conversation with.
We certainly draw our share of the Lunatic Fringe.
The two comments above you Ducky illustrate that point. Ahahahaha
Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of…aww, forget it.
How ya been, @Riddler? Yanks looking a lot better since the Cleveland series.
@Ducky
Steady as she goes pal. Yes sir, finally starting to click, Friday night in the Bronx is -almost-always magical for some reason, tonight’s game case in point. Hope all is well with you.
Yessir, @Riddler. So blessed everyday. Hope the same is true for you.
Hold fast, uh?
I want to say the Yanks keep finding ways to win. But I don’t think that is right. Plain & simple: our pitching (starters & relievers both) is absolutely carrying us.
Need the bats to come around.
But we keep winning games/series.
Everyone seems to feel that all the teams should trade all the great players to the Yankees so that they can win the World Series every year.
@ Ducky
Blessed more than I deserve. If we can get the bottom of the lineup above the Mendoza line, 28 is in sight.
@al34
That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard…they should gift them to us. Ahahahaha!
@AL34
You say it like it’s a BAD thing!
Not sure about that. Miller deal to Cleveland? Chapman deal for Torres? Stanton? Signing Cole, DJL? Minor league system full of prospects? I can’t stand the Yankees, but give the man props for not screwing up or destroying the team. They’re well positioned, just need some of the players to step up.
Your positive facts are not appreciated by hockeyjohn. I also give Cashman props by hiring the right people to keep his players out of the gossip columns in the largest U.S. media market and avoid unnecessary distractions. The Yankees also dealt with the unfortunate German situation really well.
He is a grumpy one, @BleacherCreature.
I’m sure this Yankee hot stretch is eating his lunch. Not that I care or whatever.
Let’s see Cashman put together a winning team with a small market budget. I don’t think that he could do it in my opinion which I am allowed to have and share.
It amazes me how defensive some Yankee fans can be.
If you don’t care Ducky, why do you have a return comment whenever I share my thoughts? I could care less about the Yankees. The world does not revolve around them.
“whenever I share my thoughts.”
Wasn’t responding to you.
“whenever I share my thoughts.”
Haven’t responded to you since January.
So.
The reality is he has made good and bad trades/signings. He is neither a genius nor an idiot. The team has a winning record every year, but they don’t often win the big prize (or get close enough). The teams before ’01 were mostly Michael’s creation, so they are really his championships. Cashman has consistently put together elite, exciting lineups and mostly underwhelmed with starting pitching (as a unit). But really they are always competitive and fun to watch. Not too much to complain about. Be glad you’re not an Oriole fan.
With his budget, Cashman should have been able to produce better results in my opinion, which again, I am allowed to have despite Ducky and his usual boring and useless comebacks.
@hockyjohn remember cash has a boss and his name is hal not george, hal is a lot tighter on the budget than his dad. yes cash has made some bad moves but made some good ones too. by no means am i a nyy fan but cash has done a great job towing the line of managing ego’s and staying under the tax line without a full blown rebuild. playoffs are a crapshoot if oct was the same as the regular season then the cardinals never would of won in 06 and 11 or the nats winning in 19.
brodie-bruce, I am very aware that Hal has tightened the purse strings. Regardless, the Yankees spend more than most every other team. Ellsbury, Hicks, Stanton all have or are hampering the Yankees. Small and mid market teams can not afford to make these mistakes as it would hamper them for years.
I am not saying he is a bad GM, but he is far from the best one.
Sooo, Jasson gonna be called up or what? (Sike, I wish.)
Is 18 years old, never played an inning of minor league ball Jasson Dominguez coming up? Yeah, I don’t see that happening.
Maybe they can trade Tyler Wade for Mike Trout
Angels would have to include Adel.
Trade Wade to the Twins to re-acquire RefSnyder
As bad as CF & LF have been, call up Florial a 5 tool asset and let him learn on the job! He’s an asset and will create some energy.
He’s definitely worth a shot!
Be nice if was able to “learn on the job” at AA or AAA first. Lol
Like New York fans will let him “learn on the job.” Are you even a Yankee fan? He’ll come up, hit .118 with a 45% K rate and get called a bum for the rest of his career no matter how good he is.
Unfortunately that is very true. Does anyone remember Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens? Classic example of what can happen when a player gets called up to the big leagues and they are nowhere near ready. As so many have stated prior, the biggest jump a player can make in a career is to go from AAA to the major leagues.
Top prospects shouldn’t even be in AAA for more than a week. It’s just a league full of washed up minor leaguers. All the top guys make the jump from AA where all the real competition is. Holding onto young players until they rot away is dump, see what you have.
Derek Jeter once made 56 errors in one minor league season. Imagine if had done that in NY.
@ybc lol i can and after error #20 every nyy fan would want jetters, torre’s, and the gm’s head on a pike.
Inciarte, Gallo or Peralta are my current favorites.
Don’t want Gallo another all or nothing type hitter. Give me Benintendi or possibly Brian Reynolds
That would be the next tier. Would actually have to give up some decent value for them. I don’t want Gallo either. By favorites I mean odds wise
I am betting that Hicks never plays again for the Yankees. He has been awful between his defensive and offensive metrics. Trade his contract for someone else with a similar contract.
They need another center fielder immediately. Gardner has no arm and cannot cover ground any longer.
Well that sucks.
I know the batting average guys are pretty down on Hicks. & not without reason.
But this does create a hole.
Hicks is a switch hitter who sees a lot of pitches, gets on base, can pop a homer, swipe a bag & plays a passable CF.
I don’t think he’s going to be all that easy to replace.
Hicks is another one of long list of immovable of contracts/players
Ducky.. Well we see why Cashman was looking at DeShields.
Delino DeShields: “it’s not what you want.”
Ducky.. LOL!!! Now I’m also missing Joe Girardi.
Man, I’ve been missing Joe G.
Yanks were better with fundamentals under him & I think they played harder too.
Deshields would only be a band aid like Odor. Not going to stop an upgrade later on, should one manifest.
I’m higher on Hicks than most of my Yankee counterparts, although that doesn’t mean he’s my first option in CF. I didn’t like the seven-year contract – too long. Anyway, Hicks is an impact player offensively and plays a decent defense. A lot of teams would love to have is production at CF. He’s no Albert Almora Jr…… but, we’ll take him.
The Yankees are gearing up for something in the near future, I have to believe. They know this current roster isn’t a sustainable competitive roster. Age/health/performance are adversely affecting different positions and will create a steeper decline after each season.
I understood the length because that was all about his AAV. Which is pretty low. For example, even in last year’s short season he outperformed his deal.
& he has enough disparate baseball skills that it isn’t hard to see him having a big play or game in any given series.
The perception is – I believe – that this is truly Brian Cashman’s team/core.
Hell, he even hand picked the manager & coaching staff.
As such, I have a hard time picturing him embarking on any type of major renovation.
@Ducky I think Joe G was pretty good but I never liked his bullpen mgmt. The players he had were simply more emotional (aka grittier). Nowadays, you can’t tell (besides for Judge) whether the team had won or lost during postgame interviews based on tone. Nobody on this team gets pissed off publicly.
@YC They have to go over the CBT next season. No excuses for being the wealthiest MLB franchise. I’ve gave them a free pass this offseason/season.
No one got more wins with less talent than Joe Girardi. Those ‘13 – ‘16 were trash, but they all played hard for him
I actually thought his ‘pen management was one of his strengths.
Here is what I see. The same players (more or less) were a top 12 club defensively under Joe G. We are…man I am afraid to look. But: abysmal now.
Same players now do a whole lot of really dumb stuff on the bases.
I put those developments squarely on Boone.
& my perception is that his (Girardi’s) clubs never conceded a game. That also does not appear to be the same to me.
I gave Boone time. In the end, I do not care for him.
@ducky tbh i feel the boone signing was the same as when the cards hired matheny, both teams wanted a yes men in the dugout. i think joe was shown the door because he told the fo stfu and do your job (player acquisition) and i’ll do mine which is put the best team on the field that night.
Absolutely.
Joe G expressed his displeasure with having Kris Karter taking up a roster spot by playing Austin Romine at 1b.
Showed Cashman up.
Boone doesn’t really manage like managers we grew up watching. I think he has very little (no?) input.
Make no mistake. This *is* Brian Cashman’s team, man. I think we could be a little bit better squad with a better manager.
I also realize that’s a long shot.
@ducky iirc joe got the 17 nyy a game away from the ws and i’ll be honest in 17 i thought the nyy were a 83~85 win team. as an outsider i see this team ran by an analytical department and boone’s decision reflects that. now i don’t watch a lot of nyy games because there not my team but the games i have caught. when it comes to a tough decision especially late in a ballgame boone looks lost and looking around for the “phone to ring” so he can make his next move. now i’m not knocking analytics i think there a useful tool but bb isn’t like mlb the show, imo sometimes a manger has to use his gut. also a big part of a mangers job that gets overlooked is how he treats the players, i.e. it’s a tight game and trout is up next (i’m just using him as an example) and has rocked your pitcher in the past or the matchup is wrong, but the guy on the mound is dealing or feeling good and you pull him that shakes up confidence in a player.
Here is a lifetime .231 hitter who has suffered through TJ surgery. Doesn’t possess elite speed or above average power. About the only positive is that he comes to work each day. Now that’s in question.
He was an above average CF’er on both sides of the ball with injury risk when he got the deal. That’s it. The TJS and wrist issues were after the deal. Just the way it is. The deal, at the time, was equitable.
This guy is a walking injury! Cashman traded for him and he’s a fav so he’ll be there forever.
What about Mazara another ex Ranger? I’m just thinking about a lefty bat on bad teams that could be available
So you want a bad fielding RF to fill in in CF? As a Detroit fan, we’ll listen, so long as you don’t say Andujar.
Hopefully the doctors will be able to ensure that he gets healthy so he can resume hitting infield pop-ups and striking out with RISP
Tauchman is looking really nice right now. Jumped the gun about 2 weeks early on that one.
Not really. And I’m surprised he’s not doing better but it has been worth what Peralta has been giving the pen. Good deal for NY
Tauchman has been pretty awful with the Giants.
Hal dictates who the Yankees can get. There isn’t much room under $210M and he sure appears unwilling to go over.
Florial is not ready and likely will never be. His bat tool never developed.
Hello Sir
Lol
The Rays and Brewers traded four major league players. Deals can be done now, Cashman.
There’s no exact timeline for his recovery, but Boone indicates that it’ll be a “months-long” process, which puts the remainder of the season in question for Hicks.
(Another vacuous injury statement from Boone.)
Injuries this year are especially awful.
That’s what the Yankees do. In ’19, Hicks was out for two months and needed TJS. No one expected him to play again that year yet he glued up his elbow and came back to play during their playoffs run.
Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Cashman is on Line 1. Mr. Cashman said he needs to speak with you immediately.
For whom?
Bryant, Happ for the right package. The Cubs would give the Yankees Hayward for a box of popcorn.
@cubs GM
Sorry but the Yankees can only trade if you’re picking up the contracts. Hope you want Andujar for the return.
I don’t see interest in Bryant unless Stanton or Judge were out for the year. Heywards contract is probably a non starter and why would they trade Happ?
Like I stated Happ “For the right package”. Stanton and/or Judge should have nothing to due with a decision with the Yanks making a move to acquire Bryant. Bryant can play all three outfield positions as well as 3rd and 1st base. DH is also an option. Heyward was just a joking around comment……No GM of sound mind would want that contract for a player who has aged quickly.
I think grabbing a guy like Delino DeShields is a decent stopgap as he’s currently not on the Rangers big league roster. It’ll cost next to nothing to obtain him and he can at least provide above average defense and a plus baserunner. Ryan LaMarre is probably going to be DFA’d after his injury, so there’s probably going to be an opening on the 40-man roster as well.
Don’t rush him back. This is the same injury Tex had and of course yeah yeahed his way back and that was it for him.
What will this do to his golf game? I hope he’s back in time for the Pro-Am.
Refsnyder just homered and is hitting near .500….we’ll take Schmidt or Garcia…or maybe both….
there are a lot of cognitive distortions that come with being a baseball fan (i.e. every fan thinks their team stinks at hitting with men in scoring position) but i swear the yankee medical staff is incompetent. every year some guy goes from “day to day” to “out for the year.” in any case, i’ll miss watching hicks hit. when he’s right, he controls the strike zone like a f-ing savage (in the f-ing box)
Yankees only want Heyward if Cubs take Stanton and half his salary.
Rob Refsnyder is doing good things in Minny…..just sayin’….
There’s room in Monument Park, right?
He was all potential but no production. Even if he came back next year- he will simply not do well.
He hasn’t looked right all season? He hasn’t looked right during his entire career! Painfully overrated with his best season being only average. His performance is woefully bad compared to the potential and promise the “experts” have bestowed upon him. Sorry Yankee fans, keep dreaming, this guy is a dud.Look at his career stats, it is written in black and white. Just another member of the NY IL outfielders club .
Does anyone have the MILKMAN”S phone number?
Yankees could use either Winker or Castellanos from the Reds. Both are having MVP season s and are controlled for several years although Cast has an opt out. What would you give up for either hitter?
I’d like the Yankees try to get Cameron Maybin back.