Yankees rumors: 5 players already on the trade block
By Tim Boyle
2) Why Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks is already on the trade block
First, an honorable mention to Josh Donaldson. He didn’t make this list but Aaron Hicks does. The difference is that Donaldson is actually tougher to replace at third base. As impossible as it may be to believe, there aren’t too many realistic upgrades the Yankees could make at the position right now. If all he does is play steady defense and occasionally hit a home run, New York is actually in better shape than many teams are.
Hicks, on the other hand, has yet to prove to the Yankees he can even stay healthy. His production has dwindled over the years. At the first sign of anyone having the will to take him on, Cashman needs to sign on the dotted line.
Hicks is one of the favorites to start in left field for the Yankees this season. This shouldn’t have fans feeling confident. The switch-hitting veteran is coming off of a poor 216/.330/.313 year at the plate.
Two players can help the Yankees recognize their need to trade Hicks, even if all it gets them is a scrap and they have to pay a portion of his salary. Giancarlo Stanton’s health and ability to play one of the corner outfield positions makes Hicks even less useful. If Oswaldo Cabrera can build off of his promising 44-game stint with the team last year, dumping Hicks becomes even more of a necessity.