Angels Sign Aaron Hicks

The Angels continue filling out the 2024 roster and agreed to a deal with outfielder Aaron Hicks today. Last season Hicks put up an even 1 WAR thanks to a wRC+ of 109. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Hicks who was released by the Yankees last year. That means the Angels only have to pay him minimum wage.

On the field, Hicks figures to play a lot against lefties and a switch hitter be a nice bench option on days he doesn’t play.

The signing means another player on the 40 man roster will need to be released or traded. It might also spell the end of Jo Adell as an Angel.

Overall the outfield depth definitely looks to have improved. So has the bullpen. Stay tuned as Perry Minasian puts the finishing touches on the 2024 roster.

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gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

My main concern is what does Ohtani think of this move? And his mom. How does this move make her feel? And can players have special bed dance times with their huggy friends the nights before games now, or is that idea still making the Ohtani household uncomfortable?

The Angels have a lot of important questions to answer this off season, and have you heard they had kind of sort of two of the best players in baseball on their active roster for about 1/2 of six years but didn’t make the playoffs? Geez. Why didn’t someone say something? I bet Ohtani’s so pissed. He’s such a winner. I wonder what his hair smells like. I bet it’s sandlewood and god piss.

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago

It may be just me, but after reading the information above about Perry’s moves, all I can think of is the Titanic and rearranging deck chairs.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  angelslogic

All I can think about is tired as fk tropes.

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago

You mean like what you wrote above? I agree.

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago

The good: Cheap and should eliminate Bellinger fascinations. The bad: Everything else, would hate to take away ABs from Adell. Hated Hicks on the Yankees, thought he was just another NY built-up, overblown player. To think, virtually free, seen nothing more than a seat on the bus as he could not find a better opportunity.

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Salary makes this a good value

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

At least he escaped from New York and actually performed much better with the Orioles.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

comment image

“It’s not about the quantity” – cowboy 1/29/2024

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Exactly when you can provide both that makes you a Legend.

Someday Chumps. Someday

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Get off my lawn!!

Two cheeks of the same ass?

Pot calling the kettle black?

Reverse Uno card?

I haven’t crunched the numbers but to ‘catch up’ to you (and others who dominate the site) is going to take some work. In ‘quality’ snar and quantity. By damn if I’m not willing to try!

People who RUN the site are at 6k (see author) and that’s allll quality.

FIFY – long suffering Angels fan here to make you suffer, because misery loves company – Cowboy26

Last edited 1 year ago by Angels2020Champs
Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Mia was right (Damn she always is) I have to stop feeding the Troll.

Man, despite the heartache, last year was so much more peaceful.

Last edited 1 year ago by Cowboy26
Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Aww pandering (like P12) to certain users.

I see a divide coming up… there’s the high road (JJ, Jessica, Charles, Jim, Grandpa, etc) and the low road. Think of me like a choose your adventure character.

Just trying not fight for my j.o.b. cowboss, don’t want to get DFA’d without going down swinging 🙂

Last edited 1 year ago by Angels2020Champs
FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yeah, I thought about this closer, it’s a no-brainer, in a position where the Halos have little organizational depth. Let the hot hand win the job.

tanana40
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I guess if Adell has a good spring training, they just release Hicks or see if he clears waivers and assign him to SLC. My guess however is that they are going to move an outfielder not named Trout or Moniak.

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  tanana40

There is definitely some flexibility today. Not too long ago we were jeering the likes of Whitefield, Fowler, Lagares (GG), Kean Wong, Jose Rojas, Ryan Aguilar, Dillon Thomas…and so on.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Pushes Marisnick down the depth chart, which is a good thing.

Have we given up on Jordyn Adams, or does he still have some potential?

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  tanana40

I dont know about. They could conceivably carry 5 outfielders. https://twitter.com/TaylorBlakeWard/status/1752048451007963418

Before last season the Other Taylor Ward typically hit a little better against RHP’s the LHP’s Even the GOAT had severe reverse splits so there would certainly be. place for him on the roster against Lefties even if the other 4 outfielders are kept. Lets see who the last bench spot goes to . if it’s not a traditional DH than Hicks maybe part of a 5 man rotation including the DH spot.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago

Is it a requirement to be over 30 and have had your last full good year in 2020 in order for Perry to consider signing you.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

You may be on to something…..

Halos Brass, “Don’t look behind the curtain!”

Jayman28
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Who is also a California native lol (though that is probably the mosy effective way to entice a free agent).

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

If you will accept a one-year contract, you are absolutely in Perry’s wheelhouse of interest

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago

I will accept a 1 year league minimum contract!

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

But then we would have to DFA Angels2020Champs to make room for you on the 40 man roster.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

🤣🤣 warming up the GIFs/memes now

Anonymous [ab]user:
18,000 posts, CtPG around 4 years. 365 x 4 = 1260. 18,000 / 1260 = 12+ posts/day for 4 straight years…. 4 more years! 4 more years!
*you’re at 15 posts today alone already, above quota… boss must be happy*

And I said I wasn’t a number guy…. ‘See what I did there’, ‘just can’t help mahself/yourself’, ‘feeeeed mehh’ – things that people who only follow the ‘rules’ have passed along.

I saved any knights in online armor from saving me, you’re welcome.

I’ll be here all year. More millennials and gen z to come. Working on my cred, oh yeah I got credddd

Last edited 1 year ago by Angels2020Champs
red floyd
Legend
1 year ago

Piker. I was so prolific that Rev ran a special story just about my 30,000th comment.

I was probably close to or at six figures when Vox went stupid and we all came here.

Last edited 1 year ago by red floyd
Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

Newb/noob might be more appropriate for online setting terminology, but fish references with Salmon/Trout can hit just fine too.

Unfortunately I think we’ve lost a few good ones from
ESPN message board and HH days, a mutually parting of ways if you will because outside lives got in the way. We miss you Rahul, Terks & company!

Should be a fun season, no expectations, no circus shows (if you don’t count the carnival
Cruise comics). We just have another 20k or so to get you another post from legend Rev! See numbers above if you need to know how much you have to up your game 🙂

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago

From Merriam-Webster

piker
1 : one who gambles or speculates with small amounts of money
2 : one who does things in a small way

I was using definition 2.

M.C.Homer
Member
1 year ago

I still don’t believe Ward comes back as the same player. Quite the competition to find the 4 best OF. Wide open.
May the best men win

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  M.C.Homer

Hence the comments from Banned regarding all the unknowns for our all of our OFs.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  M.C.Homer

But Ward still has one minor league option left so if hes still struggling with the beaning the angels could send him down to the Great Salt Lake for some rehabilitation.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Fascinating that all these players have 1 or more option left but somehow Jo’s are all used up and he’s never played a whole lot.

HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 year ago

Half a win, league minimum. Bang!!!! Perry is going total beast mode on the rest of the league. What a savage.

ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
1 year ago

Maybe Hicks stays healthy and can be a Brian Goodwin type guy for us. Goodwin was sweet

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

I guess the Plumber finally fixed the pipes so they would flush? https://twitter.com/SamBlum3/status/1752054914078191943

Jim Atkins
Super Member
1 year ago

Yeah, one way or another Adell fades off into the sunset.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  Jim Atkins

I hope he fades into a pitcher.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

Hopefully he “fades” into a 35 homer, .250 hitting starting outfielder….

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

Wait, I thought the collective wisdom was that competition was “bad” for Schanuel, Neto and O’Hoppe, but it’s now good for Adell?

comment image&ct=g

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

I think it’s more of an “insurance” situation. The Angels would be ecstatic if the light turns on for Adell, but at the same time, they would be negligent if they didn’t have a back-up.

Moreover, this is not only about Adell. There are questions surrounding Trout, Ward & Moniak as well.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

I think you’re right, but right now, I honestly have no idea what their plans are. It will be interesting to see who actually plays 2B, 3B, and DH to start the season.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Health permitting, the early favorites have to be Drury, Rendon and the reclamation project, Sano.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

A lot of discovery to be made in the spring.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

I think numerous jobs are up for grabs this Spring beyond Trout, O’Hoppe, Neto and Drury.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

And even with those 4, there are significant unknowns except for Drury. Is the 23 Trout the new Trout and either way can he stay healthy. If O’Hoppe gets 400 ABs he will hit 30 HRs but can he improve his BA and OBA and become an Allstar, maybe even a HOFer. Neto will be a solid glove but can he stay healthy and can he also improve offensively to be more like the hitter that he was drafted as.

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Damn. Law school changed me. I interpred “discovery” in a completely different manner from that which was intended.

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Hicks has more question marks than current Angels quartet.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Fair enough, but it’s virtually a no downside signing.

Ironically, if the Angels signed Bellinger, that would be a clearer message about they view Adell than this Hicks signing.

Everything is still in front of Adell. He simply needs to perform at replacement level (or better).

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  BannedInLA

Hicks is just an option. Moar Op Shuns! If the team’s gonna be ramshackle then go ahead and get a wad of noodles to throw at the wall and see what sticks so you can trade it later.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago

Does Hicks fill the veteran role that Moustakas represented?

Hicks had best not do the no hustle things he did as a Yankee.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago

I believe we’re now out on Granderson, Wilson, and Duvall

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Yes, likely. Other signings could be IF. Maybe SP.

steelgolf
Legend
1 year ago

But does that put us out on Buehrle?

clover_black
Super Member
1 year ago

just dump adell already so he can ball out and become some other teams moniak.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  clover_black

Better option versus lefties than Moniac plus there will be DH at bats for someone. Adell and Moniak both have huge swing and miss in their games and stats suggest that Mickey was pretty lucky last season. Adell needs to change his stars pretty quickly.

clover_black
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

i was hoping this would be a transition year and just see what adell has got with >300 PAs.

but i guess they want to go all in for the division title so hicks makes sense

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  clover_black

Nothing as of 01-29-2024 precludes this for Adell.

This Hicks signing is as throw away as it gets.

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago

Seems like a low risk, depth signing and maybe an insurance policy if Adell doesn’t show improvement.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

This is my view as well. If Adell performs, the club will be happy to play him & dump Hicks.

If Adell doesn’t perform, Hicks is low cost, veteran insurance.

I wouldn’t read into this strongly in either direction, frankly.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

This creates a low bar of competition for Adell to overcome (and Blake if he’s not recovered). Hicks can play all 3 outfield positions ( albeit poorly) and even though he’s a switch hitter, he hits LHP’s well but RHP’s not so much. (Kind of like Rengifo) He is a pretty good base runner though. Maybe getting dumped by the Yankees has lit a fire under him. Lifetime, he has hit pretty good at the Big A (Of course against our elite pitching) with an .814 OPS. But not at all against our divisional rivals (Sub .600 OPS).

I’m sure Perry views this as a very low risk move. Unless The Platypus got confused and thought he was signing the other Aaron from the Yankees

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I can play all 3 OF positions poorly and also hit RH pitching poorly but I may not be able to hit LH pitching either. But I have a good dugout presence and I can put the hat on people. :). And I’ll be happy to keep reminding Mickey to lay off the pitches out of the strike zone.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 year ago

I thought we’d give Adell a long look this season. Guess competition is never a bad thing.