Yankees stunningly DFA Aaron Hicks in massive reversal

The New York Yankees got off to a very frustrating start with the play of veterans like Aaron Hicks serving to illustrate how inflexible Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone could be. He kept getting regular at-bats despite the fact that he was one of the worst hitters in baseball this season.

Hicks became a toxic name in Yankees fandom, as he was serenaded with a chorus of boos after every home strikeout (of which there were many). Following a trade to re-acquire speedy outfielder Greg Allen, the Yankees confirmed that Hicks outlived his usefulness.

Hicks was officially designated for assignment, putting the Yankees on the hook for more than $20 million that needs to be paid out past the 2025 season. That's a steep cost, but the team is willing to pay it.

New York Yankees officially DFA Aaron Hicks.

Hicks was actually in the middle of a semi-hot streak, as he was hitting .353 with two doubles and one home run since May 7. However, the total body of work is not what Hicks wanted for himself or what the Yankees thought they were getting for a player on a seven-year, $70 million contract.

Hicks hit just .135 before May 6, walking just four times and failing to record a single extra-base hit. While he was once regarded as an exceptional defensive player with a rocket arm, there have been multiple instances of him botching plays in the outfield and showing lackluster effort on defense.

Hicks will likely get one more chance in the majors, as a switch-hitter that can hold his own defensively (when he tries) is worth a gamble for some. Still, Hicks was one of the hardest watches on this team, and few fans will be sad to see him go.

Hicks' Yankees career was not all disappointing, as he had some clutch hits and impressive seasons in the latter half of the last decade. However, the contract he got was ridiculous, and he never managed to live up to the hype after such a big deal.