Former Orioles' Outfielder Agrees to Deal With Los Angeles Angels

The Baltimore Orioles have seen their former outfielder jump to another American League team in free agency.

Because they don't have the ability to spend in free agency like others around the league, the Baltimore Orioles need to be savvy about who they decide to add to their roster.

Sometimes these additions pay dividends, as they buy low on players cast aside that still have something left in the tank. Sometimes it flames out as well.

When the Orioles signed Aaron Hicks to a Major League contract in May of last season, there weren't very many people out there who thought he could become an impact player for them.

After all, he was jettisoned by the New York Yankees after he had two disappointing years following landing a seven-year, $70 million contract extension in 2019.

Heading into 2023, Hicks was moved to the bench.

He only appeared in 28 games, slashing .188/.263/.261 with one home run and five RBI with the Yankees before they designated him for assignment and ultimately released him.

Because New York is still on the hook for that contract, Baltimore was able to bring him in on May 30 for the cheap price of $483,871 for the remainder of the year.

Despite things not going well during the latter part of his time with the Yankees, Hicks produced for the Orioles, slashing .275/.381/.425 and hitting seven homers with 31 runs driven in.

In 65 games with Baltimore, he had an OPS+ of 127 and played multiple positions across their outfield.

This likely caused a change in perception for Hicks as he has now agreed to a Major League deal with the Los Angeles Angels according to Jeff Fletcher of SoCal New Group.

The former first round pick by the Minnesota Twins has had a bumpy career up to this point.

He's hoping that he can continue the momentum he generated with the Orioles in his next opportunity with the Angels and get another chance to show he can be a regular starter in the MLB.