Aaron Hicks playing beer pong with Taijuan Walker could indicate Yankees FA plans

Yankees OF Aaron Hicks was seen with free agent pitcher Taijuan Walker.

We’re not sure if Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks is close with free-agent pitcher Taijuan Walker, but this is some noteworthy offseason content when you factor in New York’s needs.

The starting rotation is easily the most important area to address after re-signing DJ LeMahieu and the Yankees were reportedly linked to Walker at last year’s trade deadline before opting to stand pat. He ended up landing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Now, the right-hander is a free agent and partying with a prominent Yankee who signed a seven-year extension before the 2019 season? During a pandemic? There’s gotta be something we’re not aware of here.

“Alright dude, if I make these last few cups, you sign with the Yankees at a discount. Cool? It’s really not a bad deal for you if you think about it.”

Hicks no doubt got the call from general manager Brian Cashman to start feeding Walker White Claws and make him come to a decision about his free agent status while under the influence.

There are just so many connections to be made. Walker is the budget-friendly starter the Yankees would probably target during times like these and he’s a depth piece that would help the other young arms in the rotation.

His effectiveness, however, is the biggest question.

He’s got a lot of potential — he’s still just 28 years old — but he’s been traded twice already and only really has one impressive season under his belt. His career numbers might tell another story (35-34 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.25 WHIP) but he doesn’t strike out a ton of batters or eat a lot of innings.

Then again, the Yankees can use all the help they can get, and a relatively young cost-effective starter is pretty much right up the front office’s alley right now.

Over and over again, the signs just keep on coming for this match. Even on Talkin’ Yanks last week, Walker seemed quite amenable to joining the big boys in the Bronx.

Let’s hope Hicks drank him under the table and secured the behind-the-scenes deal.

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