A Braves-Yankees trade for Marcell Ozuna’s replacement

As the New York Yankees shop Aaron Hicks, a surprising contender could emerge for his services — the Atlanta Braves, who are giving Marcell Ozuna too much playing time.

Marcell Ozuna reached base twice on Monday night, but didn’t record a hit. A rising OBP isn’t always an example of a player performing to the best of his abilities, and in this case, Ozuna’s .071 batting average is more reflective of his play, despite some gaudy spring training statistics.

But spring training is just that — practice. Now that the games count, Atlanta expects some results from a player who has abandoned a sector of the fanbase, been arrested twice and is coming off a down 2022 season.

Should he continue to falter, the Braves have several backup plans they could pursue, including one Aaron Hicks from the New York Yankees.

Could the Braves trade for Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks?

A trade between these two sides for a player of Hicks caliber is unlikely, but not impossible. The fit makes plenty of sense: Atlanta needs a corner outfielder, and one who can outperform Ozuna at the dish and in the field. Hicks offers that.

Unfortunately, Hicks’ salary is also part of the reason he’d be tough to trade. Hicks doesn’t become a free agent until 2026, and makes $9.5 million the next three seasons. It’s fairly similar to Ozuna’s contract, which has a club option inn 2025.

But I am here to play devil’s advocate. So, for the sake of this trade idea not setting the baseball world ablaze, let’s just suggest the Yankees pay half, if not most, of Hicks remaining salary. That might get conversations going.

Here’s what I’m suggesting:

Yep, that’s it.

Hicks has been shopped already, and could’ve been traded in spring training had the Yanks found a suitor. He’s now upset about his playing time, and a ticking time bomb in the clubhouse. New York has zero leverage.

IF New York pays half of Hicks remaining deal, the Yankees could receive a prospect ranked in the Braves top-25. Atlanta’s system isn’t ripe with talent like some, but a player like Adam Shoemaker is a good project, ranked 22nd in the Braves farm.

As a left-handed pitcher, MLB Pipeline openly describes him as a baby giraffe. Shoemaker lost a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is a raw 6-foot-6 pitcher New York can mold into whatever they want. He’s not expected to be a big leaguer until 2026.

Either that, or Hicks suffers through the boo birds in the Bronx until he turns things around. But that’s looking less likely by the day.