According to Jack Curry of YES Network, on Monday morning the New York Yankees and centerfielder Aaron Hicks reached an agreement on a 7-year, $70 million contract extension.
As part of said deal, Hicks will be paid $6MM for the 2019 season, he will also receive a $2MM signing bonus. From 2020-2023 the outfielder will receive a salary of $10.5MM, and then $9.5MM from 2024-2025. The deal also contains $12.5MM option for the 2026 season, which includes a $1MM buyout.
Hicks has been a valuable piece for the Yankees since joining them via trade from the Twins in 2016. He has since emerged himself as one of the more underrated outfielders in the game today.
Last season in his third year in the Bronx, Hicks appeared in 113 games and hit .248/.366/.467 with 18 doubles, 27 home runs, 79 RBI, and eleven stole bases. He also posted a 123 OPS+, a .833 OPS, and a 2.7 WAR.
The Yankees outfield is now set for a longtime, as both Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton are tied to long-term deals. Right fielder Aaron Judge is also just 26-years old, and continues to emerge himself as one of the top players in the game.
Brian Cashman and the Yankees have really put an emphasis on keeping their young core together this offseason. A couple of weeks ago they signed righty Luis Severino to an extension, and now Hicks. Reliever Dellin Betances is said to on the teams radar next for a long term deal.
