Aaron Hicks is Headed For Wrist Surgery and Will Be Out Months, What's The Yankees Next Move?

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Turns out giving a seven year contract to an injury prone .230 hitter was a bad idea huh? Damn, who coulda seen that one coming? Aaron Hicks is once again about to miss significant time as his wrist injury is going to require surgery. Awesome. 

At this point the Yankees have to pursue the rest of the season as if Hicks will not be returning. Granted, this isn't as big of a loss considering he was fucking terrible in the field and at the plate in 2021. After inexplicably starting the season as the permanent 3 hole hitter, Hicks was eventually moved down the lineup where his struggles didn't really change much. 

It sucks to lose a guy for the year, especially one who is under contract for years to come. That being said, now Brian Cashman is going to be forced to make a move and bring in a real OF who can hopefully do something at the plate on a consistent basis. If Hicks was healthy and hitting his usual .230 with a bunch of walks then there wouldn't be a move to make. The Yankees GM's hand is being forced now, but to do what exactly is the question.

The way I see it, the Yankees need to go get David Peralta right now. The 33 year old is under contract through only next year at $7.5 mill per. He is the perfect add to the lineup as he brings a contact oriented approach to the plate similar to DJ and Gio. They desperately need more of this and he's the answer to fill the void right now.

A lot of people want Joey Gallo. I have minimal interest taking on another power bat who strikes out a ton.Yes he can mash and gets on base, but do we really want another one of these guys who is homer or bust? Charlie Blackmon could also be an option if Colorado completely blows it up as they should. Maybe Andrew Benintendi as well as weird as that'd be. 

The Yankees could also look internally with Estevan Florial. The 23 year old prospect has all the tools to be a legit player in the majors, but has yet to really put it together in the minors so far. His development was halted last year with covid wiping out the minors, which points to 2021 as a big chance for him to get his reps in AAA and round into the guy they all envision him to be. Florial was just recently promoted to AAA and although he is on the 40 man, it seems like the organization would prefer him to get his at bats there. That being said, there's really no one else to call up without making a move. 

If the Yankees are going to try and put a bandaid on a gushing blood open wound it seems Delino DeShields Jr. is in play to be acquired per Rosenthal late last night. This is cheap move that would anger lots of fans that we probably see happen. 

DeShields Jr. is not the answer, but acquiring him for next to nothing could give this team time to generate a bigger trade in the near future. Or they could just do this and shut off the ol' phone and call it a year. Hals' persistence to stay under the luxury tax makes me wanna blow my brain out when it comes to this situation. 

TLDR; I want David Peralta on this team. Hicks being out for the year might end up being a blessing in disguise if it lights a fire under Cashman's ass to make a move. Realistically they'll make a microscopic move that won't move the needle one bit. 

Anyways go listen to the latest podcast to get ready for the beginning of a huge series with the White Sox. Cheers.