The New York Yankees have extended center fielder Aaron Hicks on a seven-year, $70 million deal.
Aaron Hicks has agreed to a 7-year, $70M extension with the Yankees. The team will announce the extension later today.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) February 25, 2019
Hicks is the starting center fielder and expected lead off hitter for the Bombers in 2019. His influence has been impactful for a team in search of a consistent outfielder and leadoff hitter after the degradation of Brett Gardner.
The veteran hit .248 with 24 homers in 2018, proving his power. Hicks is a switch hitter, which is essential for a Yankees lineup lacking diversity on both sides of the plate.
Moving forward, it’s expected that he will remain as a starter on the team, and his experience offers value for the younger players on the team.
The 29-year-old was scheduled to become a free agent after the upcoming season, but manager Aaron Boone’s public instillation of confidence in Hicks foreshadowed a potential extension.