ANAHEIM — The Angels added to their crowded mix on Monday, but it was a low-cost, low-risk move, as they signed veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks to a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $740,000.
But it could have a ripple effect on what they plan to do with fellow outfielder Joe Adell, because he is out of minor league options and cannot be sent away without hitting waivers. The Angels already have superstar Mike Trout, Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak on the roster.
That could mean the Angels would look to trade a player from that group, but general manager Perry Minasian said he could see all five players on the Opening Day roster.
“I'm not ruling anything out,” Minassian said. “They'll have opportunities to play, and obviously spring training will be important. As it's currently constructed, we still have room for everyone.”
The Angels were able to add Hicks on the cheap because he was still getting paid by the Yankees after signing a seven-year, $70 million extension in 2019. Hicks was released by New York last May but was paid $9.78 million in both years 2024, 25 and 2020. He is scheduled to be snapped up for $26 million. Despite this, Hicks bounced back after signing with the Orioles, as the switch-hitter slashed .275/.381/.425 with seven homers, seven doubles and 31 RBIs in 65 innings. A match for the Middle East champions.
“He played really well for Baltimore after the change from New York, and we saw a revitalized guy who can still really play,” Minassian said. “He can only be productive with the injuries he's had over the last couple of years. We want to make sure we have quality depth there.”
Hicks, 34, is also a local product of Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, before being selected by the Twins as the No. 14 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft. He is a career .233/.332/. 387 with 108 homers, 120 doubles, 71 stolen bases and 387 RBIs in 963 games with the Twins (2013-15), Yankees (2016-2023) and Orioles ('23). However, he has had difficulty staying healthy, having only played in at least 130 games once in the past five seasons.
Hicks is also a solid defender who can play all three positions on the field. He also betters against lefties with a career .758 OPS against southpaws and a career .702 OPS against right-handers. Last year, it was even more pronounced with a .970 OPS vs. lefties and .663 vs. righties.
“It was important and we really looked into it,” Minassian said. “There are certain times where [manager Ron] Washington will play games. “As far as someone who really fit what we were looking for, he stood out.”
If the Angels decide to go with five players it will limit their flexibility. But Brandon Drury and Luis Rengifo can play multiple positions on the field, which helps. However, in recent years, the Angels have generally stuck with four outfielders.
Adell may be the odd man out given the inconsistencies he's seen early in his career, but Minassian said there's still plenty of time to figure things out with the roster.
“If anyone has watched over the past few years, things are changing day by day,” Minassian said. “So for us, it's about getting as many quality players as possible to get as many different options as possible. Things have a funny way of arranging themselves over the course of the spring.”
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