The New York Yankees have been struggling to find a consistent solution for their left field position, with Aaron Hicks struggling to perform consistently.
Bronx Bombers had struggled with their left field since the start of the off-season when their regular starter Andrew Benintendi left the team. Moreover, the team made multiple failed attempts to acquire a new face for the depleted outfielder. Lastly, after exhausting all options, the Yanks turned back to Aaron Hicks to fulfil the role. However, Hicks being Hicks failed to step up once again.
With the start of the new season, the Yankees need to find a stable answer to their left-field woes. The time for experiments is long gone, and the front office must find a long-term solution. Meanwhile, an outfielder from the minor league is knocking the selectors with recent back-to-back hits in Triple-A. But, how far are the Yanks willing to take this gamble remains to be seen.
Jake Bauers Shaking The Minor League With Consecutive Hits
It appears that the answer to the New York Yankees left field problems may be hiding in the minor leagues in the form of Jake Bauers. The 27-year-old Bauers has major league experience, having played for the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Indians in his career. He has a career batting average of .213 with 27 home runs and 110 RBIs in over 250 games. Last season the Yankees acquired him from Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations and sent him down to the minors. He spent a whole year playing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and scored .226 with 5 home runs and 16 RBI in total.
Meanwhile, this season, Jake Bauers is on a roll. In the past four games of the Triple-A season, the left fielder has hit three home runs, with one 441-foot hit flying to the terrace over the right field. Moreover, he finished the game by adding another double to his name. Bauers has also been impressing in the field, playing both first base and outfield. His flexibility and ability to play multiple positions could make him a valuable asset for the Yankees, who have been struggling with injuries and inconsistency in their lineup. Undoubtedly, it remains to be seen whether the Yankees will give Bauers a chance in the major leagues.
Aaron Hicks Publically Expresses His Dissent Against The Yankees
On the other hand, the New York Yankees’ regular left fielder is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. After getting snubbed for three consecutive games, the outfielder expressed his frustration in an open forum. In an interview, Hicks said he had no idea about his role within the organization. Moreover, coming off the bench to face the closers is not something he enjoys or intends to do.
Responding to the allegations, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone said the concerns had been addressed behind closed doors. Not only that, Aaron Hicks will likely receive an opportunity to start in the few upcoming games of the season. However, the fans remain unhappy and do not wish to see Hicks in the lineup ever again. Currently, the Yanks find themselves in a fix.