Once a top prospect in the Minnesota Twins system, ‘toolsy’ center fielder Aaron Hicks has had a rough go of things since his arrival in the big leagues. His offense has been particularly disappointing, which was likely a motivating factor in the most recent decision he made about his career moving forward.
Hicks will no longer switch hit. From here on he will only bat right-handed.
Wow. Aaron Hicks has decided to stop batting lefthanded
— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) May 26, 2014
Gardy said Hicks spoke to his agent before making the decision.
— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) May 26, 2014
Hicks said he has no confidence batting lefthanded — LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) May 26, 2014
Unfortunately things might get worse before they get better. Hicks will have to adjust on the fly to trying to hit right-handed pitching from the right side of the plate. That means seeing big league breaking balls from the same side, something that plagues plenty of young hitters who are simply naturally right-handed and are not making this kind of change. Still, this might be best in the long term for Hicks.
Aaron Hicks has decided to give up switch-hitting and swing exclusively right-handed. Adds a very interesting wrinkle to his development.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) May 26, 2014
Hicks is a .178/.259/.286 career hitter as a lefty. RT @RhettBollinger Aaron Hicks to only bat right-handed moving forward, Gardenhire said. — Drew Silva (@drewsilv) May 26, 2014
The Twins have no other options at center field, but at least they can afford to have Hicks develop because they do not appear to be a team ready to contend in 2014 anyway.
