CINCINNATI — It’s never easy parting ways with the player with the longest tenure. But the Yankees felt they had to replace outfielder Aaron Hicks.
“A difficult decision that we felt we had to make,” said manager Aaron Boone.
Hicks, 33, was selected for action before the Yankees’ game against the Reds on Saturday. He was in his eighth year with the Yanks and hit .188/.263/.261 with one home run and five RBIs in 76 plate appearances. Hicks’ best season in the Bronx was 2018, when he hit 27 home runs and 79 RBIs in 137 games, .248.
Limited by a string of injuries from 2019-2021, Hicks averaged .216 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs last year. Hicks was drafted into the Yankees’ postseason roster in 2022, but suffered a knee injury late in the American League Division Series season.
Hicks has more than two years left on the seven-year, $70 million contract extension he signed ahead of the 2019 season. The Yankees have seven days to trade Hicks before issuing him irrevocable waivers. He earned $10.8 million that year and had two more years on a $9.8 million contract with a $12.5 million team option in 2026 and a $1 million buyout Dollar.
“There were a lot of conversations,” Boone said. “Of course a difficult one [move]. When we got Greg Allen on board – he had a buyout clause – we had to make a decision. It was a difficult role for Aaron.
“It’s something Greg has done a lot throughout his career. He’s played really well this year. He has similar skills that we’ve seen throughout his career. He’s played the role before, and he played it well.”
The 30-year-old Allen averaged .250 in 37 games with Triple-A Worcester with 25 runs scored, eight doubles, two home runs, 15 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He’s a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions and will likely share outfield time with Jake Bauers, Willie Calhoun and Oswaldo Cabrera.
Allen has hit .232 parts in six major league seasons and spent part of the 2021 season with the Yankees, hitting .270 in 15 games with a .417 on-base percentage. He was due to arrive in Cincinnati on Saturday just before the game started.
Boone informed Hicks of the decision ahead of Saturday’s contest.
“Hard [conversation]” said Boone. “Over five years from my point of view with someone. Obviously he was older than me. it’s family You go through anything with these guys. Obviously he’s had some ups and downs with Aaron. He’s had some good seasons for us. Some playoff moments for us. In recent years he has had some problems and some injuries. Not an easy conversation.”
Hicks, Boone said, took in the news like a pro.
“Silence,” Boone said. “Maybe some understanding. I’m not sure if he saw it coming or not. I’m sure he and I will see each other again later. Today’s conversation was quite direct and somber. It was difficult.” role for him.
“At the end of the day, I wish Aaron the best. I think he overcame and weathered the wrath of the fans in a way. We’ll see what comes next for him.”