The Houston Astros are considering signing a veteran outfielder from the New York Yankees.

As Major League Baseball teams move through the offseason, each organization is weighing its options for building a competitive roster for the upcoming season. For the Houston Astros, a team that has been among the most successful in recent years, the offseason is about fine-tuning their already strong roster and ensuring they have the depth to remain contenders for another World Series title. One area that the Astros could look to improve this offseason is their outfield, and an intriguing possibility has emerged in the form of a veteran outfielder from the New York Yankees.

In recent weeks, reports have surfaced that the Astros are considering adding a veteran outfielder from the Yankees’ roster to provide more depth and leadership to their outfield. While the Astros’ outfield has been solid in recent years, bolstering the position with an experienced player could offer additional flexibility, especially as the team looks to make another postseason push. The outfielder in question is Aaron Hicks, a longtime Yankees player who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency but still possesses the potential to provide value.

In this piece, we’ll take an in-depth look at the potential fit of Aaron Hicks with the Houston Astros, why the team is considering him, what he brings to the table, and how he could impact the roster. Additionally, we’ll examine what Hicks’ addition would mean for the Astros in terms of depth, leadership, and flexibility.

Aaron Hicks’ Career Overview

Aaron Hicks, 34 years old, has been a fixture in the New York Yankees’ outfield for several seasons. After being acquired by the Yankees from the Minnesota Twins in 2015, Hicks quickly established himself as one of the more well-rounded outfielders in the league. He brought a unique combination of power, patience, and defensive prowess to the table, earning a reputation as an above-average hitter with the ability to work counts and get on base.

Hicks’ career high point came in 2018, when he posted a career-best .248 batting average, along with 27 home runs and 79 RBIs. His combination of on-base skills and power from the left side of the plate made him a valuable asset to the Yankees’ lineup. He also showed solid defense and baserunning ability, making him an all-around contributor to the team’s success.

However, Hicks’ tenure with the Yankees has been marked by several challenges, most notably injuries. The outfielder has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, often dealing with nagging injuries that have limited his production and playing time. Over the past few seasons, Hicks has missed significant time due to issues with his elbow, wrist, and back, resulting in a significant drop in his performance. Despite these setbacks, Hicks has shown flashes of his former self, particularly in 2021 when he was still viewed as a key contributor in the Yankees’ outfield.

In 2023, Hicks found himself further down the Yankees’ depth chart, with younger outfielders emerging to take on more prominent roles. His time with the Yankees was marred by inconsistency and continued injury issues, leading to the team’s decision to part ways with him. Although Hicks remains a player with substantial talent and potential, his time in New York seemed to run its course.

Now, Hicks is on the free-agent market, and teams like the Houston Astros could be in the market for a veteran outfielder who can contribute in a limited role, provide leadership, and offer depth in case of injuries or matchups. While Hicks is no longer the player he once was, he still brings a skill set that could be valuable to a championship contender like the Astros.

Why the Astros Are Considering Aaron Hicks

The Houston Astros, as mentioned, are already a well-rounded team, with a strong lineup and an elite pitching staff. However, even the best teams can benefit from adding depth and versatility, particularly when it comes to managing long seasons and injuries. The Astros’ outfield has been one of their strengths in recent seasons, with stars like Kyle Tucker and Michael Brantley providing offensive punch and solid defense. However, the team’s outfield depth has been a concern in certain situations, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Brantley’s health as he continues to battle injuries.

Brantley, who is entering his age-37 season, has battled shoulder injuries that have limited his playing time over the past few years. His health remains a key question heading into the 2024 season, and the Astros need to prepare for the possibility that he may not be able to contribute for an entire season. With Brantley’s status uncertain, adding a veteran outfielder like Hicks could provide insurance in case the Astros need more depth on the roster. Hicks, even though he is coming off a difficult season with the Yankees, has the potential to fill in as a stopgap or even contribute in a more significant role if needed.

Additionally, the Astros are known for their ability to take chances on players who may have been written off by other teams, finding ways to maximize their talent in Houston’s player development system. Hicks, with his power and plate discipline, could thrive in an environment where the Astros’ coaching staff emphasizes optimizing players’ strengths. While Hicks is not likely to be an everyday starter for the Astros, he could play a key role as a fourth outfielder, giving manager Dusty Baker the flexibility to rest his starters and provide depth over the course of the season.

What Aaron Hicks Brings to the Table

When healthy, Aaron Hicks can offer a number of qualities that would be valuable to the Houston Astros. His combination of power, patience at the plate, and defensive ability makes him a potentially useful piece in a variety of roles.

1. Plate Discipline and On-Base Skills

One of Hicks’ standout skills throughout his career has been his ability to work deep counts and get on base. He has a career .363 on-base percentage and has consistently shown the ability to draw walks. In an Astros lineup that often emphasizes taking a patient approach at the plate and working pitchers, Hicks’ ability to reach base could complement other hitters in the lineup. If Hicks is used in a part-time or platoon role, he could be an excellent option at the bottom of the lineup, providing a solid on-base presence to set the table for the top of the order.

2. Power from the Left Side

Another asset Hicks brings is his ability to hit for power, particularly from the left side of the plate. His career-high 27 home runs in 2018 showed his ability to provide pop in a lineup, and while he’s not a 30-home run hitter, Hicks can still be a threat to take the ball over the fence. For a team like the Astros, who could benefit from additional left-handed power to balance their lineup, Hicks provides an intriguing option as a potential contributor in that department.

3. Defensive Versatility

Hicks is an experienced outfielder who has played all three outfield positions over his career. His strong arm and solid defensive skills make him a capable player in right, center, and left field. Although Hicks is no longer the elite defender he once was, his versatility still holds value for the Astros. Having an experienced outfielder who can play multiple spots provides flexibility in case of injuries or if the team wants to match up against specific pitchers.

4. Leadership and Experience

As a veteran with experience in high-pressure situations, Hicks can provide leadership and mentorship to younger players on the roster. The Astros’ roster is full of talented young stars, and Hicks could serve as a steadying presence in the clubhouse. His experience in New York, which has often been a pressure-cooker environment, could prove invaluable as the Astros continue their quest for another World Series title.

What Signing Hicks Means for the Astros’ Outfield Depth

The addition of Aaron Hicks would increase the overall depth of the Astros’ outfield. With Kyle Tucker entrenched as one of the team’s most important players and Chas McCormick continuing to develop as a solid contributor, the outfield is in relatively good shape. However, with Michael Brantley’s uncertain health and the need for depth over the course of the long season, Hicks provides a fallback option.

If Brantley struggles with injuries again, Hicks could step into a larger role, allowing the Astros to stay competitive even without one of their key veteran players. Moreover, Hicks’ ability to play all three outfield positions gives Dusty Baker the flexibility to rotate players and manage rest, preventing wear and tear on the regular starters over the course of the season.

Furthermore, Hicks would also give the Astros a viable option against left-handed pitchers. While Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker are effective hitters against southpaws, adding a player like Hicks—who has historically fared better against left-handed pitching—could provide an additional weapon in the lineup, particularly in late-season matchups or potential playoff games.