The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a one-year deal with former New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks. It’s the Angels’ most significant position player signing of the offseason, as Hicks is coming off of a resurgent section of the 2023 season after moving from the Yankees to the Baltimore Orioles. He rediscovered some of what made him such an intriguing player in the mid 2010’s and posted an .800 OPS in the latter half of last season.
The Angels may still go after more talent in the outfield or elsewhere with position players, but the Hicks signing gives them five Major League outfield options heading into Spring Training, meaning that one person is going to be the odd man out. All eyes are certainly on Jo Adell after this move.
But Hicks signed with the Angels because he feels there is an opportunity for him to be an every day player, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“As far as fit goes, I think that the opportunity to come here and play pretty much every single day, to be able to play all three positions and also at the same time for me be close to my family in California.”
Hicks was asked to clarify this quote as to whether or not the Angels promised Hicks that he would be an every day player.
“What I meant to say is that I am preparing myself to play every day. That’s how I approach every season and that is always my goal.”
Hicks may have the opportunity if the Angels decide to part ways with Adell at the end of Spring Training. He does not have any more minor league options, meaning the Angels have until the end of March to decide if he’ll be on the Major League roster, or if he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2024.
Hicks, Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak would all be fighting alongside Mike Trout for playing time. But with Trout likely to spend some time at the designated hitter spot or miss some time due to injury, it’s possible that all three would get significant opportunities.
Angels have had discussions with Cody Bellinger
Of course, all of this could be for naught if the Angels follow through on the reported conversations they’ve had with free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. The Chicago Cubs star is one of the best available position players on the market, and there have been talks with the Angels for his services.