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Predicting the New York Yankees starting outfield for 2021

By Rucker Haringey

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after drawing a walk against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game Five of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 09, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after drawing a walk against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game Five of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 09, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Hicks, New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees looks on during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Center field-Aaron Hicks

Hicks is not the sort of superstar that Yankees fans want to see patrolling center field on an everyday basis. He is, however, the best realistic option that New York has to man that spot in 2021.

He has a game that understandably divides opinion for fans and scouts alike. His healthy on-base percentage of .379 is the only bright spot in his offensive profile. Otherwise, he struggles to hit for a solid average or provide much power. Even so, he still graded out as slightly above average with a WAR of 0.5 in 2020.

Hicks is a good bet to repeat that level of offensive performance in 2021. The question is whether or not his defense is going to continue to slip. He possesses the athleticism to play center field adequately, but he struggles to take quality routes to the ball. That negates the effectiveness of his raw foot speed.

It’s also worth pointing out that Hicks played 2020 after making a relatively quick recovery from Tommy John surgery. At the very least, that should allow his arm strength to improve in 2021. It’s possible his power-hitting could improve as well.

Add it all up and Hicks is one of the weakest potential starters the Yankees have heading into next season. They’d love to find an upgrade, but it’s not a spot where Cashman is going to spend resources this offseason.

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