Fansided

Projecting the Yankees starting outfield in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 6: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after flying out during the second inning of game two of the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 6, 2018 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 6: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after flying out during the second inning of game two of the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 6, 2018 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 03: Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees runs after hitting a double to right center field to score Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 03: Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees runs after hitting a double to right center field to score Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Center field-Aaron Hicks

Some of you might consider Hicks to be a lock to start for the Yankees in 2019. We think he’s very likely to keep hold of his position in center field, but it’s not a complete certainty.

For example, Hicks could lose his starting position to a prominent free agent like Bryce Harper. It’s also possible the Yankees might try to swing a trade for a younger, more dynamic center fielder.

None of this means Hicks isn’t a good player. He enjoyed a very productive 2018 campaign. He posted an impressive WAR of 4.7 despite only hitting .248 at the plate. He made up for his lack of average by drawing a ton of walks. His OBP of .366 is a better indication of what he gives the Yankees at the plate.

It’s still possible Cashman wants to have a great, not good center fielder patrolling the vast expanses of Yankee Stadium’s outfield. It’s highly unlikely Hicks is going to reach that lofty standard during his career. He just isn’t the sort of star who’s going to carry this team to a 28th World Series title.

With all that being said, he’s still an above average starter in center field. The odds of Cashman acquiring an upgrade are pretty small. Hicks isn’t totally safe, but he should like his chances at starting for the Yankees on Opening Day.

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