Aaron Hicks proves Orioles stint was a fluke as Angels DFA former embattled Yankee

With the New York Yankees visiting the Baltimore Orioles for a four-game stint this week, their worlds collided across the country with some pertinent transaction news right before first pitch on Monday evening.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have designated former Yanks and O's outfielder Aaron Hicks for assignment after the veteran began the season with a .140 batting average and .415 OPS across his first 18 games.

Outside of Mike Trout and Taylor Ward, the Angels' outfield situation has been troubling, but even with the lackluster performances from Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak, the team decided Hicks had to be the odd man out.

That's probably because he was signed for the league minimum as the Yankees are still on the hook for the remaining money on his seven-year, $70 million contract. Though Hicks has been through a lot of injury struggles the last few years, he was never a consistent threat as a major leaguer, outside of one season (2018), which earned him that massive extension (a massive Brian Cashman oversight).

All this proves is that his 65-game stint with Baltimore last season, during which he hit .275 with an .806 OPS, 7 homers and 31 homers, was nothing but a flash in the pan.

Aaron Hicks proves Orioles stint was a fluke as Angels DFA former embattled Yankee

Either that, or Hicks simply cannot thrive in an environment that possesses adversity. New York had its own obstacles with the relentless spotlight and incessant criticism. As for Anaheim, it's quite the opposite: it's a sad place with almost no expectations or hope, and talent rarely thrives there. The Angels a version of the Yankees in a post-apocalyptic world.

Nonetheless, Hicks' departure from New York was for the best. He got out of a place he probably didn't want to be; the Yankees rid themselves of unnecessary controversy; and they eventually moved on in the form of Alex Verdugo, who's been one of the team's best players in 2024.

The Orioles reportedly tried to re-sign Hicks before he chose the Angels (he's from California, so he probably just wanted to be closer to home), so it's not out of the realm of possibility he cross paths with the Yankees on a regular basis once again.

And you know what that means. Expect to get burned in spectacular fashion, Yankees fans.