Apr 4, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts after grounding into an out during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees
NEW YORK — Aaron Hicks and the Yankees had an ugly breakup.
Hicks struggled immensely in 2023, becoming the scapegoat for a struggling Bombers team who eventually designated him for assignment late in May.
But the messy divorce may have a back story.
According to former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who host the “Foul Territory” podcast, the Yankees may have had a problem with Hicks competing in offseason golf tournaments.
“I don’t know if this is true or not, but Aaron Hicks used to play in this event (Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament) a few years ago, and the Yankees told him he had to stop because they thought that’s why he was getting injured,” Pierzynski said Thursday on his show. “I don’t know if that’s true or not, but there was a rumor about that they told him he had to stop playing golf.”
Couple things to unpack here. First, A.J. says he doesn’t “know if this is true or not” twice. Second, it’s A.J. Pierzysnki, who always had a reputation as a pot stirrer. Third, Hicks was hitting .188 when they cut him.
Anyone with two functioning eyes knows Hicks was released because of his on the field production.
But there’s also no denying Hicks’ intense love of golf. Hicks, now 34, told the New York post many years ago he “wanted to be Tiger,” and he’s on record saying he wanted to play on the PGA Tour on day. He’s even married to Tiger Woods’ niece, Cheyenne Woods.
Hicks was well on his way to having a chance to achieve his dream (PGA Tour), but had a resurgent second half of the season in Baltimore slashing an impressive .281/.381./.425 across 65 games.
The switch-hitting outfielder, currently a free agent, hasn’t garnered much interest this spring – meaning he can play as much golf as he wants.
